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Robert H. Goddard Library

Coordinates: 42°15′6″N 71°49′23″W / 42.25167°N 71.82306°W / 42.25167; -71.82306
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Robert H. Goddard Library
Goddard Library in 2020
Map
42°15′6″N 71°49′23″W / 42.25167°N 71.82306°W / 42.25167; -71.82306
LocationWorcester, Massachusetts, United States
Established1969
Access and use
Population served
Clark University
Other information
WebsiteGoddard Library at Clark University

The Robert H. Goddard Library is the primary library of Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, United States. The library was named after scientist Robert H. Goddard, a Clark professor, whose experiments in rocketry led to the American space race. The building was designed by architect John M. Johansen in the Brutalist style.[1][2]

History

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Pre-Goddard
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The inclusion and discussion of libraries have played a long-standing role in the history of Clark's architecture. William Koelsch's book, Clark University 1887-1987: A Narrative History, describes this in further detail. Near the end of the 19th century, a chemistry teacher had a disagreement with the university librarian regarding a proposal to relocate and journals from the main library to have a departmental library in proximity to his laboratories. Later on, a new library was constructed after $150,000 was provided for the project from founder Jonas Clark's will. The library, with its gothic appearance, housed an alcove and a library table. Succeeding Jonas Clark's passing, his collection of art and rare books was relocated to a gallery that also served as an event space. In 1940, this gallery then served as an extension of a previously constructed library stack tower.

Goddard Library Construction
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Plans for a new library building were acted on after problems reportedly developed regarding space and finances. A ten-year development initiative, The Clark Program, was developed. The program's main area of focus was the construction of a new library that would be a memorial to Robert Goddard,[3] and would also resolve the reported need for space expansion.[1] The architect of the library was John M. Johansen,[4] a designer of various types of buildings throughout the U.S, as well as a Harvard graduate and a member of the Harvard Five.[5] A 1966 New York Times article reported that September 1968 was the intended completion date for the building's construction. Johansen described the library as a "giant, electronic machine," according to a 1966 article published in The New York Times. His design envisaged a three-story structure containing books, with rooms for services such as reading and study.[4]

The library was financed by a variety of sources. One of those was the Rockwell foundation, which provided a $75,000 gift.[6] Prior to this, the fundraising efforts escalated to a national scale when the President of North American Aviation led the fund-raising initiative.[3] On May 19, 1969, the Goddard Library was dedicated in a ceremony attended by the likes of U.S Senator Ted Kennedy, and Esther Goddard, the widow of Robert H. Goddard who was responsible for cutting the ribbon. Also in attendance at the dedication were John Leland Atwood, president of the North American Rockwell Corp; library architect John M. Johansen; Clark trustee Alice C. Higgins; Student Council President Michael Feldman; and astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Aldrin was honored with an honorary degree at the dedication ceremony.

Academic Commons at Goddard Library

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The Academic Commons at Goddard Library is a study space opened in January 2009 as part of the building's renovations. It includes Clark's primary computer lab, a cafe and study space.[7]

The library also houses the ITS Help Desk, which aids the student body, as well as faculty and staff, on the first floor in the Academic Commons.[8]

Collections and features

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The Dr. Robert H. Goddard Collection and the Robert Goddard Exhibition Room are housed in the Archives and Special Collections area of the library. Outside the library lies a structure depicting the flight path of Goddard's first liquid fuel rocket. In 2008, the library digitized Goddard's collection through a 40,000 dollar grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.[9]

References

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  1. ^ a b Williamson, Daniel (2012). "Robert Hutchings Goddard Library". SAH Archipedia. Retrieved May 7, 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ^ Gibson, Anne (March 4, 2019). "Clark community to celebrate 50 years of Goddard Library". Clark University. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  3. ^ a b Koelsch, William A. (1987). Clark University 1887-1987: A Narrative History. Clark University, Worcester, MA: Clark University Press. pp. 64, 75–77, 198. ISBN 0-914206-25-7.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  4. ^ a b "Clark U. Library Honors Goddard". The New York Times. July 31, 1966. pp. 1, 8. Retrieved May 12, 2026.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ "John M. Johansen, Architectural Drawings and Papers, 1939-2007". Columbia University Libraries. 2021. p. Archival Collections. Retrieved May 12, 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ^ "Rockwell Gives Library $75,000". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. March 29, 1969. p. 3. Retrieved May 7, 2026.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  7. ^ "Revamped library welcomes Clark University students back from break" (Press release). Clark University. January 12, 2009. Archived from the original on September 2, 2009.
  8. ^ "Get Help | Information Technology Services | Clark University". www.clarku.edu. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
  9. ^ Goddard materials now online November 26, 2008, Worcester Telegram and Gazette
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