Transforming the Library for the 21st century

For over a century, as times have changed, so has the Worcester Art Museum’s Library. As the largest art history resource in central Massachusetts, it has undergone numerous renovations over the decades. Its collections have grown and evolved to meet changing needs, and a variety of programs, projects, and initiatives have been implemented. Now, the Library is adapting yet again, undergoing a major transformation to meet 21st-century research needs and expectations. In January 2023, a new, modern library will open in the Higgins Education Wing, where it will provide greater accessibility for the entire community. There is a great deal to be excited about as we embrace fresh approaches to providing art research materials and enriching programs for Worcester and beyond. Visible from Salisbury Hall, the former Library—with its traditional shelves and classic reading room—has long been a familiar landmark for visitors. Perhaps not so obvious, however, is how the Library has kept pace with a changing research landscape over the decades. Innovations in technology have doubled the size and scope of the collections, while expanded access to physical resources through digital means has connected scholars quickly with information around the world. At the same time, the Worcester Art Museum, like so many institutions, has been working hard to build an inclusive and welcoming culture for all.

In planning a new Library that reflects values of accessibility and is designed for maximum adaptability, Head Librarian Rebecca Morin and her WAM colleagues left no stone unturned. This included extensive research on how other libraries have successfully adopted innovative approaches to their collections and how their spaces function. With a library on its campus, the Museum has a rare and exciting opportunity to think creatively about how it serves its constituents. This will include bringing library materials into galleries and studio spaces, plus integrating librarian-created programming throughout the building and into the community. To shape this new vision for the Library, Morin has developed the following guiding principles:

Community: Throughout the Library’s history, our commitment to serving the public as a free and open resource has been unwavering. With the Library now in a location with greater public accessibility, we can build on this commitment. That will include pursuing new connections within our community; creating opportunities for general curiosity and discovery by happenstance; and encouraging all users to share their knowledge, stories, and creative pursuits in novel ways.

Creativity: We are committed to a forward-thinking approach in planning and using the Library space—one that does not hinder the potential for growth and creativity, but rather is adaptable to the Museum’s changing day-to-day needs and the needs of future Library users and staff. We will no longer think of the Library as a single, enclosed, and purely physical space. It can exist wherever and whenever there is a WAM librarian present to share resources and programs.

Collections: We take seriously our responsibility as the largest art research library in central Massachusetts. The WAM Library collection mirrors the strengths of the Museum’s object collection, while also supporting exhibitions, programs, conservation, and museum theory. The new Library will provide the best care for its collections of books and periodicals, and allow us to explore innovations to best meet the needs of researchers near and far.

Connections: Museums and libraries are learning communities, built on meaningful connections between knowledge creation and sharing. The new Library will harness the power of connections and storytelling to engage our audiences, build new partnerships, and further support the mission of the Museum.

You can learn more about this exciting Library transformation project, as well as take advantage of our myriad online resources, on the WAM website (worcesterart.org/collection/library). We look forward to welcoming you to the new Museum Library when it opens in January.

Artist rendering of the new Library. WAM LIBRARY FACTS

63,000 volumes 400 unique periodical titles 1,000 artist vertical files Over 50 electronic databases and resources 2,500 average annual visitors 1,100 average annual research inquiries