Since Fall 2025, the University Library has been working to strengthen how we collaborate and operate across the organization. Through an ongoing reorganization effort, we are clarifying responsibilities, reducing duplication, improving operational effectiveness, and better aligning our structure with institutional priorities and future strategic directions.
As we begin implementing these changes in Fall 2026, we will form transition teams, conduct leadership searches for several newly configured units, and refresh plans that support long-term service excellence and academic engagement.
A key principle guiding this work is continuity of service. Library services will remain available throughout the transition, no Library locations will close, and we are not reducing faculty or staff positions. Most of these changes will be internal and largely invisible to Library users. The most noticeable change will be the consolidation of administrative oversight across some Library units.
By streamlining administration and strengthening connections across units, we are creating new opportunities for collaboration while preserving the subject expertise, services, and access that our users rely on. Looking ahead, the Library expects additional organizational changes as the new University Strategic Plan is released and Library planning evolves in response. Future efforts will also help address longstanding priorities, including continued growth and investment in our digital programs and services.
Additional information is available below. Please visit this page regularly for updates.
University Library Reorganization
- Forthcoming message to DDDH/academic departmental Executive Officers (PDF)
- Library reorganization plan, September 4, 2026 – the full plan is available upon request to libdean@illinois.edu; these excerpts are provided for preliminary context:
- Part one: New top level organizational chart (PDF)
- Appendix A: General overview of leadership responsibility structures and related issues (PDF)
- Appendix B: More information about the ‘why’ of the reorganization and how these issues are addressed in the plans now being brought forth (PDF)
- Appendix C: High level inventory of Library Reorganization Activities and Related Conversations (PDF)
- Appendix D: Current top level of University Library Organizational Chart (PDF)
- Project charter, Library reorganization team (PDF)