UConn Libraries

The library is the heart of every great university; our vibrancy is vital to the University of Connecticut’s future. For UConn to reach its goal of becoming a top public research university, it needs an outstanding library. We are making significant strides toward this goal: the University Libraries currently ranks among the top 25 public academic research libraries in the country. Our University. Our Moment. The Campaign for UConn, will enable UConn to develop an even more superb library system distinguished by technologies, collections, facilities, services and public engagement in support of teaching, learning and research.

Support First-Class Facilities

Academic libraries are used by today’s students and researchers in new ways. As their needs evolve, we must continually update our infrastructure to meet contemporary needs and offer one of the best public research libraries in the country. To be successful, the University Libraries needs to leverage public dollars with private support.

Invest in Library Technology

Private giving enables us to stay abreast of ever-changing technology and offer comprehensive support to students, faculty and staff. From the award-winning Information Cafés at the main campus in Storrs to the Thomson Reuters Electronic Classroom at UConn–Stamford, gifts to the 21st Century Technology Fund have enabled us to be early adapters of technology to enhance learning and research, and to certify library staff members in the use of new software and hardware. We need to continue updating our technology in such areas as multimedia studios, electronic classrooms, computer labs and high-tech group study rooms. Continued support through Our University. Our Moment. is needed to prepare for the academic model of tomorrow.

Enhance Learning Commons

The Learning Commons in Homer Babbidge Library is central to academic life in Storrs. It unites the best elements of our historic focus on service with multimedia studios, lounge areas, tutoring services, computer labs and more to optimize students’ learning experiences outside the classroom with one-stop access to information, class work, research and technology needs. Enhancements are needed in Storrs as well as at each of the regional campus libraries. Private funding is critical for the University Libraries to offer more comprehensive student support.

Strengthen Archives & Special Collections

The widespread availability of information resources in electronic formats means that academic libraries are increasingly distinguished by their unique and special collections. Since its dedication in 1995, the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center has served students and researchers from across the campus and the world as a laboratory for the exploration of issues in the humanities and social sciences. Our two main priorities are to expand our collections and increase funding for preservation of rare materials.

We need to strengthen our existing holdings and at the same time shepherd them into the digital age. Our professional staff preserves and makes accessible records of enduring value that require special handling. We have many invaluable materials waiting to be processed and digitized. Increasing our level of funding will enable us to sustain our position as an academic research library with superior specialized collections and university archives.

Expand Public Programming

Complementing our collections’ strengths, we present a broad array of public programs ranging from human rights, like the Dodd Prize in International Justice and Human Rights, to pressing environmental issues addressed by experts in the popular Edwin Way Teale Lecture Series, to our annual celebration of literacy at the Connecticut Children’s Book Fair. Philanthropy will enable us to extend our public engagement to an even larger audience.

University Libraries Campaign Objectives

Archives & Special Collections	$3 million
Facilities Improvements	$3 million
21st Century Technology Fund	$1 million
Learning Commons	$1 million
Public Programs	$500,000

Campaign Total	$7.5 million