The Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies Collection is the largest Slavic collection in the Midwest and at any state–supported university in the United States. The University began acquiring Russian–language publications in the 1920s, but the 1950s saw a more concentrated effort to build the Russian, Soviet, and East European collection after the establishment of the Russian, East European, and Eurasian Center. The Slavic Section, a separate administrative Library unit, was established in 1960. The collection includes materials in Slavic languages, non–Slavic East European languages, and non–Slavic languages of the Soviet Union. Please refer to the collection’s development statement and description page for a complete list of languages and geographical guidelines.
Founded in 1976, the Slavic Reference Service (SRS) is dedicated to assisting individuals conducting research related to the areas of Slavic, East European and Eurasian studies. Our queries originate from the University of Illinois, other U.S. institutions, and scholars and researchers around the world. We also conduct lecture series and research forums, produce original programs, and collaborate with other libraries around the world to expand the relevance and scope of Slavic, East European, and Eurasian studies. The SRS is funded by the Title VIII grant program administered by the Department of State.
Location
The Slavic, East European and Eurasian Collections and Services are located in the International Area Studies Library (IAS) on the third floor of the Main Library, Room 321. The Slavic Reference Service is located in Room 317, which can be found within the IAS Library.