This project provided for the collection, in digital format, of images depicting a century of artistic involvement in libraries throughout Illinois. The images allow one to trace the history of library development and to experience a community's pride. The resulting web product www.library.eiu.edu/artarch is a treasure trove of images and information about the story of Illinois libraries, illustrating what we have accomplished in the 100 years since Carnegie's commitment to invest in local libraries.
Over the past four years, research teams have traversed the state of Illinois to document the art and architecture of every public and academic library, including some research libraries. Wherever possible, the team photographer was responsible for taking the digital images of the library's art work and building architecture. At the same time, other team members were busy documenting the artwork by completing art records to collect information related to the artwork. While there, the research teams also attempted to learn about the library's history. The information obtained during these site visits was later compiled item by item into an electronic database. In 2006-2007, the project included the design of a traveling exhibition that was eventually hosted in more than 65 libraries throughout the state. In addition, an illustrated oversized dictionary of art and architectural terms, using photographs from the traveling exhibit, was produced and accompanied the traveling exhibition.
The Art and Architecture in Illinois Libraries electronic database contains information on more than 1,000 Illinois libraries, featuring, but not limited to, the art and artists represented in those libraries and the architects and architecture of their buildings. The project should increase exposure and heighten the awareness of the prevalence of art in Illinois libraries, the influence of architects on regional library design, as well as the overall look of Illinois communities. Having ready access to the information related to these works of art and artists could help to promote further research, especially on local Illinois artistsBmany of whom are relatively unknown outside their region. The project also provided every participating library a disk of their library's digital images, thereby providing them with an archive/inventory of their art.
The principal investigator for "Art and Architecture in Illinois Libraries, Part II" is Allen Lanham, Dean of Library Services at Booth Library. Marlene Slough and Nackil Sung, both of the Booth Library faculty, have major roles with the research team. The Art and Architecture in Illinois Libraries team is thankful for the willingness of the library directors and staff members to assist the teams whenever possible. The project may not have been completed in this time frame or may not have included as much information if it had not been for the support of the Illinois library community.
