Library Renovation FAQs

When will E.H. Little Library close for renovation?

The library will close after Commencement Weekend, May 2025, for a complete renovation. 

How long will the renovation take?

The renovation will take approximately two years, from Summer 2025 to Fall 2027. The new George Lawrence Abernethy Library is scheduled to open in Fall 2027.

Will I still have access to library materials during the renovation?

Yes! All physical library collections will be stored in an off-site library annex during construction, with materials available through same-day or next-day delivery service. Digital library collections will remain accessible as usual. 

Where can I study, or get help, during the renovation period?

Multiple study spaces will be available across campus, including:

• Lilly Family Gallery (main collaborative study space, open 24/7, information desk, research and digital project consultations, printers & computers)
• Tomlinson Hall Conference Room (silent study space with individual carrels)
• Music Library in Sloan Music Center (archives classes, archives research support, and evening quiet study)
• Baxter Davidson Room in Chambers (library classes, and group study when not reserved)
• Several Chambers classrooms (2130, 2146, 2164, 3130) for reservable evening group study

What's happening with the John Crosland Jr. Center for Teaching and Learning services?

The Math, Science, and Economics Center will relocate to the E. Craig Wall Jr. Academic Center, while the Writing and Speaking Centers will move to the Chambers Building. 

Can I still get help with research and digital projects?

Yes! Starting in Summer 2025, library staff will be available in multiple locations and consultation services will be available by appointment, both virtually or in person. Once fall semester begins, our main service point will be in the Lilly Family Gallery. You can make an appointment, or email us at library@davidson.edu. 

Where will course reserves be located?

Course reserves will be located in the Lilly Family Gallery along with other essential services.

What about printing and computer access?

Computers, printing, and scanning services will be relocated to the Lilly Family Gallery after the library closes. 

Will the library's online resources be affected?

No, all electronic resources, databases, and digital collections will remain fully accessible throughout the renovation period.

Is the library accepting book donations?

Thank you so much for considering us! Unfortunately, we are not currently taking donations as we are preparing our collections for our upcoming renovation building closure. If the materials are for Archives and Special Collections, please use this form to let us know about your donation, and we’ll contact you when we are in our new spaces and ready to accept materials again!

What's happening with Archives and Special Collections research appointments?

Our appointments will shift to offering virtual consultations to help identify available digital collections and develop strategies for moving forward.

Email us at archives@davidson.edu to secure an appointment.

I’d like to have some materials from your collections digitized. What should I do?

These requests will be prioritized for archives course collaborations, student theses, and select campus initiatives.

Please detail your requests via email: archives@davidson.edu.

How can I access special collections materials for my thesis work?

If your thesis requires the use of our materials, let us know ASAP! We will be offering appointments, virtual visits, and scaled-back digitization services.

How do I donate or transfer materials to the archives?

We won’t be able to accept departmental records or donations during the renovation. If you have materials to transfer or donate in the future, please document them using this form. We’ll get in touch using the contact information you provide when we’re ready to accept items again.

Can we collaborate on a class with Archives and Special Collections?

Please detail your requests via email: archives@davidson.edu.