Libraries
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The NU Libraries include the Snell Library, the African-American Institute Library, and the Marine Science Center Library. The School of Law Library at NU is separately administered by the NU School of Law.
Snell Library
Snell Library, the heart of Northeastern's academic life, holds 985,000 volumes and welcomes over one million visitors a year. Through award-winning Reference, Instruction, Meet the Author talks, and innovative technologies, the University Libraries play an integral role in the intellectual life of the campus.The Snell Library opened in 1990. It was designed by the Cambridge-based firm The Architect's Collaborative (TAC). The cost of the building was $35 million.
Snell Floor Plans and Locations
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George and Lorraine Snell
The Snell Library is named after George Snell '41, and his wife Lorraine for their philanthropic leadership and dedication in building a new library for the NU community.
George Snell was born in Schenectady, NY, and lived much of his life on Nantucket. He graduated from Northeastern in 1941 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Upon graduation, he went to work for Dupont, and then was sent by the company to the University of Chicago to work with scientists there on the Manhattan Project. He served in the Navy from 1944-1946 and upon his return, entered the construction business in Washington, DC. He became a trustee of the University in 1970, and was elected trustee emeritus in 1991. He died in December 1997 at age 79. His wife Lorraine has continued to support the NU Libraries.
(For more information, see the Northeastern Voice, January 8, 1998)
African-American Institute Library
The John D. O'Bryant African-American Institute Library is located in the African American Center on 40 Leon St. West Village F. It houses a growing collection of materials on African culture in the United States and throughout the world.
NU School of Law Library
The School of Law Library, located in the Asa Knowles building, is accessible to all NU affiliates subject to certain restrictions. Their collections are included in NuCat, Northeastern's online library catalog.
Marine Science Center
The NU Libraries include a marine biology library in the Marine Science Center in Nahant, Massachusetts.
Partners: Boston Library Consortium (BLC) and Nexpress
The NU Libraries are a member of the Boston Library Consortium, a group of research libraries in the Greater Boston area, and Nexpress, a New England consortium.