Mission and History of Babson Library

Mission:

The mission of Babson Library is to provide access to, and ongoing instruction in, the use of information resources to the Springfield College community in support of the greater purpose of the College.

History of Babson Library:

Babson Library serves the students, faculty and staff of Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts and all of the College's regional campuses in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Delaware, California, Florida, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin. The library provides not only a rich collection of print and nonprint materials, but features a wide range of high-quality digital resources. Library staff members are pleased to provide professional assistance to all library users.

The Springfield College library collection originated in the late 1800s, when Jacob T. Bowne donated his personal library of books related to YMCA history to the young College. One of Bowne's students, John W. Cook began the campaign to create a true library for the College. Edward Lippincott Tilton, who designed the U.S. Immigrant Station on Ellis Island as well as the main branch of the Springfield City Library and Museums, designed Marsh Memorial Library which currently houses the offices of the College President. William Howard Taft dedicated Marsh Memorial Library on October 18, 1913.

The collection of materials housed in the library grew steadily for years, until finally, the pressing need for a larger space was acknowledged. Babson Library opened in 1972 and was named for its benefactors, Dr. Paul T. and Mrs. Edith Babson of Boston. Babson Library now houses both Library and the Information Technology Services allowing students seamless use of a variety of information resources. The top two floors of the building are dedicated to study areas and books stacks. The main floor holds a variety of resources including all public and reference service areas. The lower floor contains the main computer lab, three computer classrooms, language lab, and offices.

The best place to start your search for information is right here at the Library's Web site.

More Information

For more information about the mission and history of Babson Library, contact the Director's Office (413-748-3609) or the College Archives (413-748-3309) or use the Ask the Library! form.