University Libraries

Librarians awarded CARLI Grants

Two librarians on the University Libraries faculty have been awarded grants from the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI) for the 2009-2010 academic year.

Jeffrey Hancks, Baxter-Snyder professor of Icarian and regional studies and unit coordinator of University Archives and Special Collections, has been awarded a grant to create digital versions of historic monographs on Illinois towns from the American Guide Series. These volumes were written by notable historians who were employed via the New Deal in the Illinois Writers’ Project during the Great Depression. The books contain histories, descriptions of points of interest, maps, photos, and lore from places in Illinois such as Galena, Princeton, Nauvoo, and Cairo.

“These books are treasures and give a glimpse into small-town life in Illinois during the 1930s,” Hancks noted. “They are valuable for people interested in the history and culture of Illinois.”

Hancks has previously overseen the digitization of other works about the region. Linda Zellmer, government information and data services librarian, has been awarded a grant to digitize volumes of The Laws of Illinois, beginning with the earliest volumes at Western, from 1831. These volumes are a treasure trove of historical information about Illinois and contain information of legal, cultural and even genealogical interest.

Hancks and Zellmer will be making their completed projects available online.
“I am very proud of Jeff and Linda,” noted Dean of Libraries Phyllis Self. “These projects reflect our commitment to preserving the history and culture of our state and region.”

 

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