After being closed for approximately one year due to comprehensive renovations, Tokyo Tech's Suzukakedai Library reopened on July 12, 2021.
Renovated Suzukakedai Library, still with its unique round windows
More student study space
Initial construction of the Suzukakedai Library building was completed in March 1978. As the facility expanded through the years, it also deteriorated, and significant problems gradually emerged, particularly with air conditioning and electrical equipment. In 2020, the Institute decided to close the building completely to conduct comprehensive renovation work. Indoor facilities and the interior look of the library were redesigned, and the floor plan was revised. As a result, space for materials and office work was reduced, while study space for students was greatly increased. In August, a student life coach and career support desk will be set up in the library by the Student Support Center.
In the future, the first floor of the library will be open to the public to ensure that local residents can also make use of the facility.
NOTE: Due to the spread of COVID-19, Suzukakedai Library is currently not open to the public.
Splendid views of lush campus greenery
Approximately 30 participants, including President Kazuya Masu, several executive vice presidents, faculty and staff based on Suzukakedai Campus, and student library supporters visited the renewed facility on July 12 to commemorate its reopening.
Splendid views from research area on 3rd floor
Reopening event participants tour refurbished building
The participants toured the library in three groups, one of which was led by library supporter Masato Saito, a 2nd-year master's student in Life Science and Technology. The individual research area on the third floor, which includes private study booths that offer excellent views of the natural greenery on Suzukakedai Campus, received plenty of attention and praise from the visitors.
Motivating environment for both seasoned and new library users
In the Multipurpose Room on the first floor, a brief commemorative event, hosted by Suzukakedai Library Director Munetaka Akita, was held after the tours.
President Masu felt that the renovations had created a completely new image for the library, and expressed hope that library staff would work together with students to further improve the facility.
Munetaka Akita, Suzukakedai Library director since July 1, 2021
Brief words from President Masu
Executive Vice President for Finance and Secretary-General Tadayuki Fujino outlined some of the challenges faced by members of the Facilities Department during the renovations.
Professor Emeritus Haruo Houjoh, who worked as library director from 2013 to 2016, shared some of his memories from the facility.
Professor Kyoko Yamamuro, who was Institute library director until March 2021, emphasized who this facility was for. "I hope students come and make good use of the library until they completed wear out the sofas!"
Professor Emeritus Houjoh, former Suzukakedai Library director
Former Institute Library Director Yamamuro
Library supporter Saito also expressed hope that students and staff could work together to reintroduce the Suzukakedai Library to both seasoned and new users. For a long time now, many graduate-level students have only been traversing between the lab and their homes due to COVID-19. New students may not even know the exact location of the library due to the long closure and the pandemic, Saito noted.
Library supporter Saito
To conclude, Riko Modeki, head of the Library Division, expressed her gratitude to all those involved in the renovations. "This motivates the staff to work harder and create a library that all the students can use," Modeki stated.
The Institute expects the renewed Suzukakedai Library to become not only a reliable base for study and research, but also a place that supports student life in a variety of ways and offers all campusgoers a chance to relax.
Regarding use by non-Tokyo Tech members
In-person services for non-Tokyo Tech members are currently unavailable at the library due to restrictions caused by COVID-19. Based on Tokyo Tech's policy, non-Tokyo Tech members are currently asked to refrain from entering any of the library facilities. Non-members can order books and other materials through public libraries. Any changes to usage restrictions will be posted on the Tokyo Institute of Technology Library website.
