Building Number: 656
The Dick Smith Library, named in 1974 for a highly respected Tarleton professor and benefactor, has grown from one room into a three-level structure housing almost 1,000,000 items and more than 200 electronic databases.
Beginning in 1894, when the school was known as Stephenville College, books were shelved in a church anteroom and the Library was housed in a strange array of college departments including the President's office, the college book store, and the dining hall.
In 1956 a new building was erected, giving the library its own home. It was a two-story structure that surrounded an open mezzanine. A library addition was completed in 1967, but by 1983 it was time for the library to undertake a major building expansion, due to the library having almost doubled in size. Access to and utility of the library and its resources were enhanced. Another major building expansion and renovation was completed in 2006, which further enhanced the library's ability to accomplish its mission of providing user-centered services, collections, technology, facilities, and personnel.
The latest building renovation started in 2011 when accommodation were made for the Center for Instructional Innovation (CII) offices, which was followed by a $2 million renovation of the remaining main floor area into the Library Learning Commons. Opened in June 2014, the Library Learning Commons provides a campus “hub” for collaborative study and work spaces where students can interact with cutting-edge technology, research resources, and support services like Tutoring Services, Information Technology Services, CII Online Instructional Support, and Dining Services.
In fall 2015, The Maker Spot was add on the upper level to provide access to innovative technologies for invention, creation, exploration and design, and much more. The space offers 3-D printers and scanners, a large format poster printer, GoPro Action Cameras & Mounts, and Maker & Computer Development Kits.
Facilities:
- AV Listening Areas
- Collaboration tables
- Group Study Rooms
- Meeting Rooms
- Practice Presentation Room
- Special Collections Room
- Student Lounge
- Study Grounds Cafe (Coffee Bar)
- Public Computers
- The Maker Spot
- The Tech Spot
Services:
- 140+ Patron Computers
- ADA Services
- Auxiliary Services and Equipment
- Collections
- InterLibrary Loan
- Library Instruction
- Off-Campus Services
- TexShare
If you have any questions concerning the Dick Smith Library, please call at 254-968-9249.