Feb. 6 & 7: Author & Artist Audrey Niffenegger! More...
Feb. 14: Coambs & Bregman Concert! More...
Feb. 15: Lex Tate Lecture! More...
Feb. 27: Brass Band Exotica Concert! More...
March 2 & 3: Author Gary Blackwood! More...
March 4: Drama Collections: The Play's the Thing! More...
FEBRUARY 2008 IS SPECIAL "COOL" COLLECTIONS MONTH
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY
Just after the University of Illinois was established in 1867, its first regent, John Milton Gregory, went to New York with $1000 appropriated by the State of Illinois and purchased 644 volumes. From that point on, collecting books and materials in support of scholarship became a priority for the institution. Indeed, this acquisitive spirit has continued unchecked for nearly 140 years, resulting in a total collection of more than 22 million items.
'Special Collections,' is the term of art for such library and archival material as rare books, manuscripts, prints, posters, maps, photographs, sound recordings, music scores and instruments, moving images, art works, coins, and other items of historical and cultural importance. The University Library, especially, has profited from the general bibliomania of librarians, archivists, faculty members, donors and even University Presidents, and has many collections so interesting, unique, and world-renowned that the only encompassing word for them is 'cool'.
Students and researchers from the university and beyond are encouraged to explore the unique primary sources of the Special Collections libraries on campus. Enthusiastic librarians, curators, and archivists are all available to assist researchers in using catalogs and finding aids to explore these fabulous collections.
From The Rare Book & Manuscript Library, to the University Archives, and to smaller collections within departmental libraries, the University of Illinois is home to significant collections and exceptional resources. We invite you to learn more about the breadth, depth, and variety of Special Collections in the brief tour that follows.
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS MONTH IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
The Rare Book & Manuscript Library, University Archives, Student Life and Culture Archival (SLCA) Program, Sousa Archives and Center for American Music, and the Map and Geography Library.