The Library is Looking For

Rock Island Barracks, Ill for the Map Library

NEW! This 1864 birdseye view presents Rock Island Barracks in Illinois (with the city of Rock Island in the background), a notable military installation during the American Civil War, which housed Confederate prisoners of war.

International Encyclopedia of Education, Fourth Edition, (2023 ebook edition) For the Social Studies, Health, and Education Library

NEW! Comprising 14 volumes filled with reviews, illustrations, and examples from across the globe, the set offers a thorough look at what lies on the forefront of research, theory, and practice in the field of education.

Support personnel in improving access to Uyghur-language publications For the International and Area Studies Library

NEW! These funds would allow the International and Area Studies Library to hire staff to help transliterate the Uyghur Arabic script, easing the way for researchers to locate Uyghur-language items in the Library’s collections.

Uyghur-language publications For the International and Area Studies Library

NEW! Since the establishment of “re-education camps” for this population in northwest China, publications produced by this ethnic minority in that region have fallen precipitously, but members of the Uyghur diaspora have remained active. The library would like to add to the more than 250 such books it has acquired in recent years via a vendor in Istanbul, Turkey.

Research Travel Grant For the History, Philosophy, and Newspaper Library

NEW! A gift of $2,500 will directly impact graduate and post-doctoral scholars, enabling them to travel to Urbana-Champaign and access the rich collections held by the Library. The Research Travel Grant, a collaborative initiative by the History, Philosophy, and Newspaper Library and the Department of History, has thrived since 2019 through generous donor support. Grants create new opportunities for scholarly collaboration—applicants are asked to identify an Illinois faculty member as a sponsor and to present their research on campus—as well as increasing national and international awareness of the Library’s unique collections. Travel grant recipients will also have access to the Library’s digital collections (including journal subscriptions and licensed databases) during their stay. Four $2,500 grants are needed.

Mobile Bookcase For the Grainger Engineering Library Information Center

NEW! The library is looking for a mobile bookcase for patrons of the Grainger Engineering Library Information Center. The item would showcase books that students may be unaware the unit holds—such as fiction, cooking, and foreign-language books—as well as encourage non-required reading and boost mental health.

Map of the Kibbutzim of Israel (1972) For the Map Library

NEW! A map indicating in detail the location of these collective communities throughout Israeli territory at the time. Produced by Amir Publishing for the Federation of the Kibbutz Movements, the item measures an impressive 47 x 17 inches; its back side lists a plethora of information on the history and endeavors of the kibbutzim. The Map Library seeks this item, which is in good condition.

Cruising in the Pirates’ Paradise Hamburg-American Line (1927) for the Map Library

This is a c. 1927 Hamburg-America pictorial map of the West Indies promoting ‘Pleasure Pirate Pilgrimage’ cruises. The map evokes the romanticization of the ‘pirate’ and exotification of the Caribbean, as well as the decadence of the Roaring ’20s.

Reflects the joie de vivre often associated with the 1920s. For the Map Library’s new 1920s digital collection.

Panorama del Canale di Panama (1880) for the Map Library

This is Giosellino Peverelli’s bird’s eye view of the Panama isthmus, with major sections of the new Panama Canal. The view was likely compiled and issued to coincide with the commencement of the first French Panama Canal project sometime in the early 1880s. The perspective looks from the Pacific towards the Atlantic, and in the lower left corner, we find a small colored vignette depicting a Panamanian landscape.

While the French endeavors were less than successful, Peverelli’s view was not. In fact, the duo published a second, more elaborate (but visually less pleasing) view in 1890. This edition included black and white inset maps of the canal itself and of the world, an elevation graph, as well as a table showing the distances from London, Le Havre, and Genova to San Francisco, Valparaiso, and Sydney; all of them naturally on routes that made use of the new Canal.

Important early map of a critical transportation lane.

Country Western Map of America (1954) for the Map Library

This is M. Smith and Thurston Moore’s 1954 pictorial map of the United States celebrating country western music and culture. Another sort of popular music cultural literacy!

Wheel of Time (1997) for the Map Library

An uncommon large-scale 1997 promotional map illustrating the ‘Westlands’, the primary setting of Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. 20th century literary cultural literacy!

Support Scholars in attending the Dmytro Shtohryn International Ukrainian Studies Conference For the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures

Support displaced Ukrainian scholars so that they might attend the occasion in person. The annual event, sponsored by the Slavic Reference Service and the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures, honors Shtohryn and his significant contributions to Ukrainian Studies and Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies. The conference has drawn hundreds of students and scholars from varying disciplines since its inception in 1982; this year’s event took place October 5–7 and honored the centennial anniversary of Shtohryn’s birth. For more information about the Slavic Reference Service and future events, visit library.illinois.edu/friends/news-and-events/slavic-reference-service-aiding-campus-and-the-world/.

Scores from the Forbidden Music Regained Project For the Music and Performing Arts Library

An initiative that shares the music of Jewish and other composers persecuted during World War II. The publication of these works for the first time was made possible by the Leo Smit Foundation; the Dutch Music Institute (NMI), where thousands of the manuscripts are preserved; and Donemus Publishing. The Music and Performing Arts Library believes these scores present a valuable source for both researchers and performers; the scores are published in four sets of 25 works each at $830 apiece.

It’s a Long, Long Way to Tipperary, My Heart’s Right There (1914) For the Map Library

A unique artifact in which a map printed on a handkerchief depicts heart-sore soldiers and their loved ones separated during World War I. The cloth hankie portrays a British military man standing on France’s shore, waving his hat to three women and a child who grace the British Isles and reciprocate with fluttering handkerchiefs. The British music-hall song It’s A Long, Long Way to Tipperary, whose words run along the top, had been a favorite among soldiers in that time period. If you’re feeling sentimental, add this memento to the Map Library’s World War I digital collection.

Order of Battle on the Western Fron 11 A.M., November 11, 1918 (1918) For the Map Library

A rare depiction of the end of World War I, emphasizing the contributions of American forces while minimizing those of its allies. The pictorial’s two insets illustrate the Western Front as a whole, as well as French ports and railroads critical to the effort. This beautifully detailed item includes an inscription indicating it is a gift made in 1949 to the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Joliet, Illinois.

Teaching, Learning, and Academic Support’s Family Study Room for Teaching, Learning, and Academic Support (TLAS)

This support will increase TLAS’s kid-friendly atmosphere. Everyone knows all work, and no play makes for . . . well, possible grumpiness . . . so help welcome library patrons with children in tow. The space seeks items to tickle the fancy of little ones, including tyke-size table and chairs, plus a bookshelf (with books in Spanish/English, Chinese/English, and caterpillar-speak [a la Eric Carle]). Any and all donated amounts are appreciated.

Die Eisenbahn, der Lebensnerv des Heeres. [The railway, the lifeblood of the army.] for the Map Library

Rare German propaganda poster, showing the extensive German railroad lines connecting to the Western Front and the allied railroads destroyed during the German spring offensive of 1918.

Wonderful World of Oz for the Map Library

This colorful and oversized pictorial map titled “Wonderful World of Oz” is a fantastic piece for serious collectors of Oz memorabilia. Measuring a generous 24 x 34 inches, this 1988 map is much larger than the typical Oz Club maps. The map was expertly designed by Dick Martin, whose incredible graphics bring the magical world of Oz to life.

Map of online communities and related points of interest (2007) for the Map Library

Randall Munroe’s innovative imaginary map of online communities, from the early days of social media.

Aurora, Ill. 1875 from Jennings Seminary (birds eye) (1875) for the Map Library

Panoramic birds eye view of Aurora 30 years after incorporation. Some important/landmark buildings are identified in the margins. Possibly published to promote Aurora to companies. Very rare, only 1 other copy is known (in Aurora Historical Society, Aurora Public Library). Important image of an Illinois city; would add an example of a not yet represented Chicago publisher to the collection.

Image of Research Competitions Support hosted by the Scholarly Commons

The annual multidisciplinary event, open to graduate and undergraduate students, showcases images that represent the entrants’ research in concrete or abstract form. This year is the 11th anniversary of the Image of Research. Contributions of any amount are welcome and would provide funding for cash prizes and reception costs. Please visit grad.illinois.edu/news/congratulations-2023-image-research-winners to view stunning imagery from the 2023 Image of Research.

Angling in Troubled Waters (1899) for the Map Library

This is a rare and vividly colored piece by the renowned British artist Frederick W. Rose, a monumental figure in the field of satirical and persuasive maps. Rose portrays Europe on the brink of the 20th century, with the predatory interests of various nations, drawn as personages, depicted as they “angle” or fish for external conquest. Four European powers particularly stand out—France, England, Tsarist Russia, and the Ottoman Empire—while the entire map bursts with detailed references to current events and presciently forecasts the turmoil of the early 20th century. Unusual in that it has never been folded, this article stands as a signature piece for any collection; the Map Library believes it would add a great deal to its trove of World War I maps.

College Blue Book (2023 ebook edition) for the Social Sciences, Health and Education Library

This six-volume set covers nearly 12,000 institutions of higher learning, occupational and technical schools, and distance learning programs in the U.S. and Canada. The Social Sciences, Health and Education Library would like researchers and students to be able to consult this comprehensive guide to help locate and compare degree programs—particularly those of an emerging nature—offered by academic institutions.

Stress-Free Finals Week Support for the Communications Library

In the past, our Stress-Free Finals Week event has become very popular with students who use the Communications Library. From 10-3 during finals week, the Library provides, cookies, tea, and coffee for students. For approximately $200/semester, the Library is able to make a warm and caring connection with students at a time during the semester when their lives can be extremely stressful.

Educational Foundations (2023) for the Social Sciences, Health and Education Library

This six-volume item is an authoritative state-of-the-field mapping of the foundational disciplines—philosophical, historical, sociological, policy, economic, and legal—detailing the ideas, methods, theories, and approaches that each contributes to the field of education.

Chess Board and Puzzles for the Communications Library

Students use libraries for a variety of reasons. In an effort to create a welcoming and relaxing environment for patrons, the Communications Library wants to set up a chessboard and provide jigsaw puzzles of media/educational themes (e.g., Star Wars films, Marvel Comics, Superheroes, world flags, map of the world, historical films, etc.). Jigsaw puzzles have become very popular with Communication Library patrons (most 1000-piece puzzles are completed within a week!) with patrons requesting more puzzles and access to a chessboard.

Oxford Encyclopedia of Educational Administration, 2021 for the Social Sciences, Health, and Education Library

This encyclopedia will benefit users of the Social Sciences, Health, and Education Library by offering a global view of research in educational administration and leadership. To effectively guide schools, leaders must consider topics such as government mandates, community members, educators, unions, students, and others

Print issues of Pack-o-Fun magazines for the Social Sciences, Health, and Education Library

First published in 1951, this scrap-crafting publication served as a springboard for youth clubs and troops to engage children (and adults!) in craft projects, made all the more fun and easy by repurposing common household items. The Social Sciences, Health, and Education Library currently holds volumes 11-22, 1961-1972 of the magazine thanks to a generous donor, and is looking for more to complement its children’s and young adult literature collection. Vintage issues (1950s to 1960s and 1973+) are of particular interest—check your bookshelves and attics! For more information, contact Nancy O’Brien at npobrien@illinois.edu.

Chairs for the Communication Library

$1,700 to $8,500 is needed to replace decades-old chairs in the Communication Library’s International News Lounge. The library seeks up to six such chairs (at $1,700 apiece) to expand the inviting atmosphere of the lounge, where students collaborate, study, and watch news feeds from around the world.

New tables for public computer workstations for the Music and Performing Arts Library

While the technology at the Music and Performing Arts Library has continued to evolve, its furniture remains somewhat archaic. These funds would help create flexible space for patrons as they write papers, scan scores, or watch DVDs at the library’s computers and scanners.

Personnel to digitize Special Collections items for the Music and Performing Arts Library

Extra assistance is needed to digitize unique score and text holdings (as allowed by copyright), which can then be included in the Library’s Digital Collections platform for use by scholars worldwide.

Personnel to access digitization needs for MPAL's Special Collections

These funds would allow the Music and Performing Arts Library to hire personnel to identify unique score and text holdings that have not yet been digitized so that the library may eventually do so.

Tōkyō kangyō hakurankai jimu hōkoku jōkan [Tokyo Industrial Exposition Report, Vol. 1] for the Ricker Library of Architecture and Art

This is an extremely scarce governmental report on the 1907 Tokyo Industrial Exposition. Replete with maps and plans for everything from architecture to engineering to pavilion elevations, the 331-page volume is richly illustrated with black-and-white reproductions of exposition photographs as well as more than two dozen folding plates. Exposition organizers hoped to display a modern, industrial Japan, with the event featuring a Ferris Wheel, foreign products, and 35,000 light bulbs. This item is sought by the Ricker Library of Architecture and Art.

Megalithic Software for the Ricker Library of Architecture and Art

Part I: England (1975) ; Part II: Europe and the Near East (1982) ; Part III: The orient Sec. A Japan (1988). These three volumes comprise a complete set of the noted physicist author’s detailed analysis of ancient megalithic stone circles, city plans, and cathedrals at sites around the world and is illustrated throughout with tipped-in maps, diagrams, photographs, illustrations, and mathematical tables. A little known and under-appreciated contribution to contemporary understandings of ancient pagan mathematics and cybernetics, Megalithic Software remains institutionally scarce, with only a handful of institutions recordings copies of all three volumes in their online catalogs. This acquisition allows the Ricker Library of Architecture and Art to strengthen its holdings which document connections between art and science—showing that creativity and curiosity can be fostered throughout disciplines.

Rotating Exhibit(s) for the Library Exhibitions Committee

Sponsor a rotating exhibit within the Marshall Gallery and the north-south corridor of the Main Library highlighting the Library’s rich and vast collections for one month. Support would cover printing for cases, as well as supply refurbishment in order to ensure that exhibitors can continue to have the preservation-grade materials on hand to safely display collections materials. Interested Library Friends may support exhibits programming for one month…or several!

Communications Library Stress Free Finals Week Fund for the Communications Library

Gifts to this fund support student-related library activities that reduce Finals Week stress. The Communications Library is a very popular place during Finals Week and a great place to help them when their stress is greatest. The Library provides healthy snacks and a sympathetic ear for an environment that really makes a difference.

Communications Library Tech Fund for the Communications Library

Gifts to this fund help the Communications Library provide much-needed technology support for students. Library users own cell phones, laptops, music players, and more that require regular charging and security. This Fund enables the purchase of equipment like charging stations, cables, and secure lockers that make students’ lives easier.

Communications Library PR/Promotion Internship for the Communications Library

This paid internship is for an undergraduate student to put their public relations classroom skills to use while promoting the Communications Library. The student manages this library’s Twitter and Facebook accounts, creates content for digital signage, and creates handouts and brochures for New Student Week events and library tours in an effort to help students learn about the Communications Library.

“Don Balon” for the International and Area Studies Library

Don Balón was a prominent sport magazine published in Chile during the 1990s. Originally published in Spain, the magazine currently has online editions throughout Latin America and has become a hallmark of Ibero-American soccer. The Library is interested in acquiring a collection of 477 issues from its founding in 1992 to 2000. This time period is particularly important for Chile as it covers their re-democratization process after August Pinochet’s dictatorship. No other sport magazine existed in Chile during this entire period, making Don Balón a unique source to study Chilean soccer. The acquisition of Don Balón would be the first Chilean sport magazine in a growing and unique Latin American and Caribbean Sport Collection.

Charging Station/Locker for the Communications Library

To purchase a secure charging station/locker to revitalize devices carried by tech-savvy users. While current students are positively aglow with electric possibility, they do need a boost now and then. “Our students are immersed in the greatest flood of information any generation has ever experienced,” says Head Librarian Lisa Romero, who adds that the library and its staff are “all about service. We try to keep up with all our students’ needs. Every student has mobile devices and laptops that need to be recharged. Making it easier for students to rely on technology is one way the library can contribute to the student experience. The charging station/locker enables us to meet a very real need.”

Digitizing “The Alumni Quarterly and Fortnightly News” for the University Archives

Transfer and Digitize Photographs for the University Archives

To transfer and digitize thousands of hard-copy photographs painstakingly accumulated by the University of Illinois Alumni Association communications department in its 100+ years of coverage of campus, students, and alumni. Containing items not previously seen by Library staff, the collection will find a new home in the Archives, where it will be scanned and tagged for use by students, researchers, and the public. Funding would support additional personnel to digitize materials, create records, and organize metadata.