CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The University of Illinois Library has added its 14 millionth volume to its collection. The book, “The University of Illinois: Engine of Innovation” by Frederick E. Hoxie, a professor emeritus of history and American Indian studies, is one of the major projects commemorating the U. of I.’s sesquicentennial.
The book will be recognized along with all the Library’s millionth volumes in a new, permanent display on the first floor of the Main Library.
The Library usually asks a donor to make a gift to buy its millionth volumes – often rare books that are quite expensive, said Scott Koeneman, the assistant dean of libraries for advancement. This year, because of the sesquicentennial, library officials made the decision to use Hoxie’s book as the 14 millionth volume, he said. “The University of Illinois: Engine of Innovation,” published by the University of Illinois Press, is a collection of essays on some of the U. of I.’s most celebrated accomplishments, such as the development of the Mosaic web browser, the discovery of Archaea, the LED, the first university-based supercomputer, and pioneering advances in women’s education and wheelchair accessibility.
An image from “Engines of Innovation” shows physicist John Bardeen, the inventor of the transistor and winner of two Nobel Prizes, with prototypes of his equipment designs.
Rather than buy a rare book for the 14 millionth volume, a donor – U. of I. alumnus Paul Lisnek – is making a gift that will pay for the display recognizing all the millionth volumes and also support the Rare Book and Manuscript Library.
“I spent a lot of nights in the Library. From writing freshman papers to my dissertation, the Library was my home to do everything I did in terms of research,” said Lisnek, who earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communication and political science in 1980, a master’s degree in speech communication in 1980, a law degree in 1983 and a doctorate in speech communication, focusing on legal communication, in 1986, all from Illinois. Lisnek is a political analyst at WGN-TV and hosts “Politics Tonight” and the “Behind the Curtain” podcast.
Paul Lisnek, a U. of I. alumnus with degrees in speech communication and law, provided a gift for the Library to create a permanent display recognizing all its millionth volumes.
Lisnek said he was inspired by the opportunity to do something lasting and permanent for the Library. He has also donated to the renovation of Lincoln Hall, including providing a gift to turn a former teaching assistant office space in the basement into a cafe, and he funds the Paul M. Lisnek Excellence in Trial Advocacy Awards for the U. of I. law school.
“The university meant so much to my career and my success. I think it’s important that people give back,” he said. “I want to send the message that I’m trying to do these things and I’m not 90. I want to send a message to other people that you’ve got to give back, and you don’t have to wait until you’re dead to do it.”
The display of the millionth volumes will be located in the north-south hallway of the Main Library, across from the Bronze Tablets. A framed, high-quality image from each volume will be displayed, along with a plaque describing each book and its significance, when it was acquired and the donor. A plaque will also recognize Lisnek’s gift for the display.
“This is an opportunity for us to create a permanent exhibit of these books, to highlight the breadth and depth of the collection that this library holds,” Koeneman said.
“That hallway sees hundreds of people every day. People use it as a thoroughfare,” he said. “Around special times on campus, whether it’s Homecoming or graduation, people are coming through the Library looking at the Bronze Tablets or visiting old haunts. We thought this was a great place and a great way to show this is one of the great libraries of the world.”
The display will be unveiled and the Library will celebrate its 14 millionth volume at a special event in fall 2018.
Editor’s note: For more information, contact Heather Murphy at hmurphy@illinois.edu.
