University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign University Library

Step into the heart of academia at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where the University Library stands as a beacon of knowledge, history, and innovation. This sprawling network of physical and digital libraries serves as a cornerstone for students, faculty, and researchers, offering a treasure trove of resources and services that cater to a diverse academic community.

A Storied Past

The origins of the University Library are intertwined with the very inception of the university itself. Even before the university opened its doors, the board had the foresight to ensure that a collection of books would be waiting to greet the first students and faculty. Although this initial collection was modest, it marked the beginning of a journey that would see the library grow into one of the largest academic libraries in the United States.

In its early days, the library's collection was housed in various locations, but it wasn't until the construction of Altgeld Hall, originally known as Library Hall, that the library found a dedicated home. As the university grew, so did its library, necessitating a move in the 1920s to what is now known as the Main Library. This transition marked the beginning of a new era, with the library's collection expanding rapidly to meet the needs of a burgeoning academic community.

An Ever-Growing Collection

From humble beginnings with just a thousand items, the University Library's collection experienced a significant expansion between the mid-1930s and 1940. By certain metrics, it was ranked as the fifth-largest academic library in the United States. This growth was driven by the university's commitment to providing a robust library collection, which was essential for student retention and the success of its graduate programs.

The Undergraduate Library (UGL), constructed in 1969, emerged from this surge in collections. Built underground to maintain open spaces and sunlight for the university's experimental cornfield, the UGL provided undergraduates with free access to research materials, fostering a culture of academic inquiry and exploration.

In 2004, the Oak Street High Density Storage facility was established to accommodate the ever-growing collection. This climate-controlled environment ensures the integrity of the materials housed within, preserving them for future generations of scholars.

The Stewards of Knowledge

The University Library's journey has been guided by a series of dedicated librarians who have left an indelible mark on its development. The first University Librarian, Percy Bicknell, was appointed in 1894 and introduced the Dewey cataloging system, creating the library's first card catalog. His successor, Katharine Sharp, was a progressive and reference-minded librarian who played a pivotal role in the library's growth and the establishment of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science.

Subsequent University Librarians continued to innovate, championing patrons' right to privacy and intellectual freedom. Paula Kaufman, who served from 1999 to 2003, received numerous awards for her work in protecting these rights, including the Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award.

Embracing the Digital Age

The University Library has been at the forefront of library automation and digital innovation. In 1974, it began using OCLC workstations to catalog monographs, paving the way for a fully computerized, web-based card catalog. Hugh Atkinson, University Librarian from 1976 to 1986, prioritized the enhancement of automated catalogs, implementing MARC standards and enabling patrons to request books via library computers.

The Grainger Engineering Library Information Center introduced public and staff PC workstations with internet connectivity in 1994, aligning with technological advancements of the time. This move facilitated access to full-text article searching and early federated search capabilities, further enhancing the library's digital offerings.

Vast and Diverse Collections

Today, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library boasts over thirteen million volumes and 24 million items in various formats, languages, and subjects. Its extensive collection includes microforms, serials, audio recordings, audiovisual materials, electronic books, films, and maps. The library also houses unique collections, such as Indian comics in multiple languages and two bricks from Abraham Lincoln's home.

Faculty, staff, and students can recommend items for the library's collection, ensuring that it remains relevant and comprehensive. The Library Office of Collections honors newly tenured or promoted faculty by allowing them to select a book for the collection, with bookplates affixed in their honor.

Collaborative Networks

The University Library is a vital part of the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI), managing the shared I-Share catalog with 138 member libraries. This collaboration facilitates the sharing of books, DVDs, print journals, and other materials, making the University Library's extensive collection accessible to a wider audience.

Additionally, the library participates in WorldCat, OCLC's international database, linking library collections worldwide. This global network ensures that patrons can access the materials they need, regardless of their location.

A Digital Repository for Scholarship

The Illinois Digital Environment for Access to Learning and Scholarship (IDEALS) serves as the university's institutional repository. Since 2010, Master's theses and Ph.D. dissertations have been deposited in IDEALS, with scholars having the option to make their work available to the general public or restrict access to university affiliates.

IDEALS also contains research from various scholars and departments, much of which is freely accessible, promoting the dissemination of knowledge and scholarly collaboration.

Special Collections

The Rare Book & Manuscript Library (RBML) at Illinois is a treasure trove of literary and historical archives. It houses the Gwendolyn Brooks archives, the Carl Sandburg archives, and personal papers of notable figures such as Marcel Proust, John Milton, H.G. Wells, Anthony Trollope, Benjamin Disraeli, and Avery Brundage. These collections provide invaluable insights into the lives and works of these influential individuals.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign University Library is not just a repository of books; it is a living, breathing institution that continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of its academic community. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply a lover of knowledge, a visit to this remarkable library promises to be an enriching and inspiring experience.