University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. University Library (1867-) | University of Illinois Archives

As an all-university unit, the University of Illinois Library preserves material to assist students and researchers, including books, pamphlets, periodicals, microtexts, audiovisual aids, maps, sound recordings, music scores, photographs and prints.¹ The Library has existed since the University opened in 1868.² Administering the Library is the University Librarian, holding a title that the Board of Trustees gave to him on April 21, 1971.3 Up to that time, since 1958, his title had been Dean of Library Administration. Before 1958, it had been Director of the Library.⁴ Until 1963, he also served as Director of the Graduate School of Library Science.⁵ Since 1967 the Chancellor has full authority for the Campus Library, and the University Librarian reports directly to him.⁶ The University Librarian's chief responsibilities are the arrangement and upkeep of library material. He also organizes the library staff. Its new members are appointed with the approval of the Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the Chancellor, President, and the University Librarian. Concerning such matters as book fund allocations and establishment of branch libraries, all three officials consult with the Senate Library Committee, which is composed of faculty representatives.⁷

1.  Statutes, May 17, 1972, as Amended, July 19, 1972, pp. 22-23.

2.  Board of Trustees Transactions, 1st Report, March 11, 1868, pp. 123-24.

3.  Board of Trustees Transactions, 56th Report, April 21, 1971, p. 267.

4.  Board of Trustees Transactions, 60th Report, July 29, 1958, p. 4.

5.  Ibid., 52nd Report, Supplement, June 30, 1964, pp. 170-71.

6.  Ibid., 54th Report, April 19, 1967, pp. 489-90, 551-52.

7.  Statutes, May 17, 1972, as Amended, July 19, 1972, pp. 22-23; Board of Trustees Transactions, 56th Report, April 21, 1971, p. 267.