“Ten years from now, the University Library will be known not only for its rich print
collections and special items but also for its vast holdings of electronic materials. We will
be a leader in developing electronic tools that provide easy access to online resources, giving the
campus a competitive advantage over its peer institutions.”
—Paula Kaufman, University Librarian
The future of the University Library has never been brighter. As the Brilliant Futures Campaign progresses, we look forward to continuing our efforts to:
▪ Build and preserve outstanding collections.
▪ Recruit and retain talented faculty.
▪ Develop and apply new technologies for scholars and researchers.
▪ Provide cutting-edge environments in which to think, contemplate, and
dream.
Please join us as we create Brilliant Futures.
The Brilliant Futures Campaign provides an unprecedented opportunity for alumni and friends
to support these priorities: acquiring and preserving collections, attracting and retaining
accomplished faculty librarians, and renovating facilities.
Collections Enhancement
Private support will allow us to maintain traditionally strong collections, acquire materials
in emerging areas of teaching and research interest, and strengthen access to electronic, digital,
and other nonprint resources. Funding our comprehensive preservation program will help us conserve
valuable artifacts, treat endangered materials to prevent further damage, reformat the information
content of unsalvageable items, and install and maintain environmental controls to slow
deterioration.
Faculty Support
We seek to establish named endowed chairs for the heads of libraries, including Agricultural,
Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES), Architecture and Art, Chemistry, Engineering,
Mathematics, and University Archives. We also seek to establish additional named, distinguished
professorships for heads of departmental libraries and faculty librarians.
Current endowments and endowed professorships and deanships include the:
Facilities Development
One of the Library's highest priorities is providing proper environments for learning and
study. Significant investment is required to renovate currrent facilities to better serve
faculty and students who increasingly utilize digital information resources and a multidisciplinary
approach to teaching and learning. Funds will be used to transform existing facilities into
well-lit, ergonomically designed spaces that are conducive to individual and group study, such as
our state-of-the-art Funk Family Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) Library
and Grainger Engineering Library Information Center.
The University of Illinois has a vision to become one of the nation's preeminent public
universities. The Library will play a key role in helping the University develop leadership for the
21st Century, provide excellent academic programs, encourage breakthrough knowledge and innovation,
create transformative learning environments, and make sure the best and brightest have access to
the Illinois experience.
Office of Library Advancement
1408 West Gregory Drive, Room 227
Urbana, Illinois 61801
Phone: (217) 333-5682 Fax: (217) 244-7201
Questions and Information:
friends@library.illinois.edu