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The University Libraries is the largest and most comprehensive library system in Nebraska, with more than three million print books, access to electronic scholarly books and journals and a wealth of unique archival materials to serve Nebraskans. The University Libraries is committed to supporting all students and faculty.
Support is sought for student internships in information sciences, to create affordable course materials for students and to renovate the Love Library Link to make vibrant new study and collaborative spaces for students.
Donor support is needed to endow key positions within the University Libraries. Investment in retaining and recruiting faculty makes it possible for Nebraska to lead in building the research infrastructure of the future and maximize collaborative opportunities with other Big Ten institutions.
A new publicly accessible home is needed to safeguard the rare collections in the Archives & Special Collections, now in the basement of Love Library South. Another important initiative is to create a new Research Commons to serve as a hub of transformational research.
FOR THE FUTURE WE’LL BUILD
With the support of generous donors, the University Libraries can realize an information future that matches the university’s lofty ambitions. The University Libraries seeks to reimagine campus library spaces, ensure rare collections are protected and continue a legacy of service to Nebraska for generations to come.
“Private support has never been more critical to fulfilling the University Libraries’ mission. We must invest in programs to support students, from affordable course materials to student internships to building projects that create healthier, safer library spaces. We are enjoying unprecedented demand for those spaces and for electronic books and journals. Private support to grow these investments is essential to our role in supporting UNL’s students and faculty.”
– Elizabeth “Liz” Lorang
Interim Dean, University Libraries
Research and Archives
The University Libraries seeks to create a new Research Commons and build a new home for the University Libraries’ Archives & Special Collections in order to secure prized research collections.
Love Library Link
With private support, the University Libraries will renovate the two-story space connecting Love Library South with Love Library North. On the first level, new study and teaching spaces will be added to meet high student demand. The glass and windows on both floors will be replaced.
Endowed Chairs and Professorships
Private funding is needed to endow a dean of libraries, a chair of Archives & Special Collections, a university archivist and professorships in specialized areas such as digital humanities, critical information literacy, information policy and research data strategies.
Student Internships
Private support will enhance undergraduate and graduate internships in information sciences across all fields. Internship opportunities help students prepare for their future careers through exposure to real-world research questions that build critical thinking skills.
Affordable Course Materials
Philanthropic support will reduce the financial burden for students by lowering the cost of course materials as part of a campuswide initiative. The cost of traditional textbooks has increased 88% in the last decade, and the result is that most students can no longer afford to buy the required textbooks for their courses.