Hating on the Quad

With the late opening of the newly-created Quad Library, Harvard has once again put Quad residents at a disadvantage. The library isn’t slated to open until Oct. 4, leaving Quadlings without reserves and study space. Moreover, there is no word on when the unending, apparently deadline-free renovation of the rest of Hilles will conclude. It appears that the College did not view, and does not view, renovation of Hilles as a top priority. This is simply unacceptable. Quad students must have the same amenities and resources as other students.

Harvard has a history of neglecting residents of the Quad. This summer, the College created much needed dance space when it renovated the Quadrangle Recreational Athletic Center (QRAC). Unfortunately, this renovation was done without Quad students in mind, and so the QRAC was closed much of the spring, putting a strain on House gyms. Worse, Quadlings lost valuable exercise space because of the dance studios. Increased campus resources like dance space are needed, but they should not come at the expense of the residents of the Quad.

Nevertheless, Harvard has continued to harass the Quadlings. Upon returning this year, Quad students were greeted with a summer shuttle schedule, devoid of busses between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. For the entire move-in week, Quadlings were forced to trek to the Yard during the day. And while the walk is pleasant with a backpack and good weather, it is dreadful when transporting a TV in the rain.

This trend of indifference towards Quad residents reached its apex with the Quad Library and the renovation of Hilles. Having a library of such importance to its residents open roughly a month after school has begun is distressing and unfairly hurts Quad students. With the renovation of the Mather and Dunster House dining halls, the College made a clear effort to fast-track the building to make sure the dining halls were ready for the beginning of the school year. This was certainly not the case with the Quad Library, as Harvard stated this past spring that the library would not open until October.

But even when the Quad Library opens, Quadlings will still be at a loss. The new library is a shell of its former self. Its permanent collection will be greatly reduced. Reserves will also be thinned. Many of these resources could have been stored on mobile stacks, but regrettably, they won’t.

However, the greatest problem is the serious reduction in hours. Admittedly, there are not large numbers of students who study early in the morning, but the Quad certainly has its share of students who need to utilize a library before 3:00 p.m., when the new Quad Library will open during weekdays. Even more illogical is the fact that the library will be closed on Saturday. The College would be hard-pressed to find a student who has never done school work on a Saturday. In fact, many students finish papers and major projects over weekends, precisely the activities that require a good library.

Harvard College Libraries (HCL) has previously stated that Hilles was being downsized because they could no longer run a duplicate of Lamont. While it is true that HCL should not have to run twin libraries, the Quad Library should not be Lamont’s forgotten cousin. Quadlings deserve all the resources their River and Yard colleagues enjoy.