Welcome to the first issue of the Milner Library e-newsletter. This is an opportunity for us to keep you informed about the many exciting activities, developments and dreams we have for Milner Library. Indeed, these are exciting times.

Frequently described as the heart of campus, the library remains central to the teaching and research mission of the University. The number of students who use Milner has never been higher, nor the use of library resources. Nevertheless, with the increasing availability of information through the internet, the role of Milner Library as the heart of campus continues to evolve. While book stacks remain a dominant feature, Milner is an active, bustling place with many other services and activities. On any given day, students can be seen buying coffee, studying in groups or alone, receiving assistance researching or writing papers, relaxing with therapy dogs, or borrowing laptops, iPads, iPods, camcorders, and graphing calculators. It is both an academic and social space for campus.

As a preview of coming attractions, students and faculty will soon enjoy a number of improvements to the library’s spaces. These include new study carrels, white boards and electrical outlets, lockers, and a sound buffer for the quiet study floor. By May, the Einstein Bagel’s café will feature new booths and tables that seat 60 persons.

Recent developments highlighted in this e-newsletter include an article about a partnership with the Alumni Association to provide alumni access to two excellent databases and another about Maureen Brunsdale, the head of Special Collections and the treasures she oversees. University Archivist April Anderson, in a piece from her blog, highlights collections about O. L. Manchester and Thomas Wallace.

Please feel free to contact me with your thoughts and observations about Milner Library, as well as questions that we might answer in future e-newsletters. I would be happy to hear from you.

Dane Ward
Dean, Milner Library
(dmward@ilstu.edu)