claire t. carney library

Since the completion of Claire T. Carney Library, student counts at the library have nearly tripled. The library has evolved into a destination for students to enjoy coffee, conversation, and study, establishing itself as an important physical resource as UMass Dartmouth’s student population transitions from largely commuter to residential. Students affectionately refer to the transformed library as “our space” even crediting it for increasing their GPA’s. New students have cited the “new” library as a reason UMD was their school of choice.

Perhaps one of the most lasting impacts of the project is the embrace of the UMass Dartmouth campus in a transformative way. Prior to the design of the library, the brutalist architecture was widely regarded as a liability; today, it is seen as an asset to be leveraged. Following the completion of the library, the University engaged in a master planning effort that was based on a newfound commitment to its mid-century heritage. Speaking of this vision, former University Chancellor Dr. Robert Johnson stated that “the Carney Library project proved that [UMass Dartmouth] can combine Rudolph’s vision with 21st century realities to create compelling learning, living, and discovery spaces.”