First Emblem Book Digitized

Since the 1940s, the University Library has amassed a collection of over 600 emblem books written from 1540 to 1800, published in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and England. In 1998, the Library began collaborating with Professor Mara Wade in the German Department to provide enhanced access to German emblem books through digitization. The initial digitization efforts were funded by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. Die menschliche sterblichkeit, unter dem titel Todten-tanz, in 61 original-kupfern (1759) is the first emblem book to be digitized at the Open Content Alliance scanning center.

Do you have a story you’d like added to the Library News & Events? If so, please contact Heather Murphy ( hmurphy@illinois.edu ).

“Buy a Book” Service

Buy Books and Benefit the Library

Alumni, friends, faculty, students, and the public can benefit the Library’s collections by purchasing books through the “Buy a Book” Service (BABS).  This service provides quick and easy access to local and online booksellers.  (Note that the “Exit Illinois” provides direct access to the web sites of certain booksellers.) A percentage of purchases from select vendors will allow the Library to continue building its exceptional collections.

Do you have a story you’d like added to the Library News & Events? If so, please contact Heather Murphy ( hmurphy@illinois.edu ).