The Natural Resources Library reopens

The Natural Resources Library (NRL) has been transformed over the past year with a substantial renovation of its spaces and adjacent areas of the first floor of Jordan Hall.

The renovations are highlighted by a variety of study and lounge spaces, including group study rooms, that will encourage collaboration and interaction as well as individual study. New furnishings and seating areas are being added in the adjacent Jordan Hall lobby, as well.

And more improvements are forthcoming—look for a new coffee shop coming in fall 2022, that will bring food and beverage choices to an underserved area of the campus.

“We are really excited about the new space at NRL,” says Robert Olendorf, Director of the Natural Resources Library and Research Engagement Librarian. “This area of campus has long had limited access to study and eating areas, and this beautiful, newly redesigned area brings these services to the NC State community. We are looking forward to seeing you all at this new space, especially after the last couple years!”

The NRL primarily supports the College of Natural Resources and the department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences in the College of Sciences. A new library service core houses traditional functions, including circulation and technology lending, course reserves and textbooks, a smaller print collection, staff space, and the Ask Us desk. 

The new spaces are relaxing and pleasant, drawing upon a palette of soft greens and light-stained wood inspired by nature. The main seating area is designed to remain open even when the library service point and the cafe are closed. Watson Tate Savory was the architectural firm for this project.

To make room for the new study and lounge spaces, NRL’s less-frequently used collections have been moved offsite to the Hunt Library bookBot. NRL users may request delivery of any materials in the Libraries collections for pick-up at any Libraries service point. Requested items are usually available within 24 hours.