New and Improved Campus Library… Coming Soon
Student library needs have changed in recent years, and Montgomery College is responding with a full-blown library renovation. This fall, the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus library will re-open after more than 18 months of updating to improve the user space and functionality. The original 22,00-square-foot space was built in 1978, long before digital tools became an integral part of academic life.
“The renovation will create an entirely new experience for the MC community,” said Suzette Spencer, director of library and information services, Montgomery College Library. “Students will have more options to use the space, whether they need to read, meet with a study group, or take a class online. There will be spaces for different uses and learning styles.”
The aim was to complete a comprehensive overhaul that would result in a more inviting, accessible, and comfortable environment. Located in the Resource Center Building on New York Avenue, the $12 million renovation addresses the building’s overall layout, sightlines, and structural integrity. Once complete, users will notice enhanced ADA compliance via a new enclosed entry facing the interior of the campus, a new elevator system, and an additional staircase. Increased natural light via new floor-to-ceiling windows and a refreshed exterior will complement the current residential architecture.
In response to the growing use of Artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT in academic research and writing, the MC Library has developed a new research guide on artificial intelligence for students. “We encourage students to use AI responsibly and to confirm that AI is allowed in a particular class or assignment before using it,” says Jenny Hatleberg, MC librarian.
The guide helps students learn about generative AI (artificial intelligence) and includes overviews, a glossary of AI terms, and pages that guide decisions about AI use when a professor allows it. It also covers how to cite the use of AI in their coursework. Additionally, the guide contains links to articles about bias, misinformation, hallucinations, and more.
MC librarians can help students find quality information about AI, confirm sources identified through AI, and cite AI-generated content. For assistance with AI or any other research question, please visit or call any campus library, or text, chat, or book an appointment with a librarian (Ask Us!).
The AI guide is online at
At all three campuses, Montgomery College libraries provides students a place to escape from work and family obligations, to study and do homework. In its project justification (2016) for funding requests, the College tracked nearly 670,000 visitors to the Montgomery College Libraries. The same report showed that campus libraries provide technology resources that students depend on.
Regarding technology use (2016), the MC libraries’ computers, laptops, and tablets were used approximately 200,000 times by nearly 18,000 unique users. Providing computers, laptops, tablets, software, scanners, internet, and accessible software programs improves college affordability for students who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford those tools.
Painting, interior finishes, and exterior work will continue through June 2024. “After the contractor is finished, Central Facilities will need to re-set the entire Resource Center. Furniture was removed from the non-library areas of RC due to the building receiving a safety upgrade by adding a sprinkler system,” Kerry Norberg, planning and design director, said. The re-setting will occur over the fall semester with an opening prior to winter session 2024.
“We look forward to the reopening of the TP/SS Library and welcoming back our beloved MC community. In the meantime, please visit the Takoma Park-Silver Spring building webpage for progress updates,” Spencer says.