ANNOUNCEMENTS: Building Project Update – 5/1/2026

Tom Teper, Associate Dean and Associate University Librarian for Collections and Technical Services

Construction continues apace, with our most recent site observation from the architect estimating that the project is approaching 40% completed. As of April 30^th, the following work was completed in the last week: Electrical/plumbing below slab rough in at addition, footings in addition, hot fluid applied waterproofing, CMU and frame install in East Pavillion, Upper level framing/backing/insulation/drywall/taping, Painting waffle deck and CMU walls on lower level, miscellaneous paint on upper level, upper level plumbing/electrical/mechanical rough in, lower level electrical/mechanical rough in, CMU top of wall angles, pipe lining.

In the coming weeks, we should see progress on: interior footings, generator pad, dock leveler installation, CMU walls, and painting of steel in East Pavilion, completing waterproofing, installation of brick in area wells, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical rough in, and construction of walls in the upper level

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Coffee Cart Pilot Ends May 15

The Espresso Royale R&D Lab pilot initiative will conclude on May 15. The coffee cart operates inside the Orange Room (northwest corner closest to the north building entrance facing Wright/Armory) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., serving all faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: IOPN: New Titles

Angela Watters, Digital Publishing Specialist

First, join us in celebrating Windsor & Downs Press’s newest addition to the OPN Textbooks series, Principles of Epidemiology: A Primer by Department of Health and Kinesiology faculty, Christy N Bazan, Pedro Curi Hallal, Rachel A. Hoopsick, Sheena Martenies, Andiara Schwingel, and Rafael M. Tassitano. Written for students and professionals alike, this peer‑reviewed textbook introduces readers to the history of epidemiology and includes chapters on research methods and the investigation of disease spread, before concluding with a chapter on careers. This title was funded by our grant from the State Library of Illinois and by the University Library and the Office of the Provost’s 2024 Faculty OER Incentive Program.  (Read more about Principles of Epidemiology: A Primer on the IOPN news blog.) 

Next, from our Publishing Without Walls imprint, we are pleased to introduce two new digital humanities projects from our AFRO-PWW series. 

• In Reading Black Life in Eighteenth-Century Canada and Lawrence Hill’s “The Book of Negroes,” Sherry R. Johnson, an associate professor of English at Grand Valley State University, draws on her years of experience as a literary historian researching Black writing in Canada and the United States to reveal little-understood and understudied histories of black life in Canada. Centered on Lawrence Hill’s The Book of Negroes (2007) alongside other works, she explores how literature shines a light on “forgotten facts” that stand in opposition to a wide-spread romanticized vision of Canada that ignores the historical contexts Black people encountered, dashing their hopes for lives free from racial oppression. (Read more about  Reading Black Life on the IOPN news blog.) 
• In Walking on the Tightrope of Words: Langston Hughes’s Soviet Writings, Letitia Guran, a professor in the Department of Romance Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, examines Langston Hughes’s prominent role in the global struggle for racial equality and social justice leading up to the Civil Rights Movement. This digital humanities project enables readers to engage directly with Hughes’s A Negro Looks at Soviet Central Asia (1934), a revolutionary, complex text, bearing the author’s handwritten revisions, originally published in the USSR, and reissued in the US only in revised, little-circulated versions. (Read more about  Walking on the Tightrope of Words on the IOPN news blog.) 

Stay tuned for other IOPN publications coming soon! 

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Cheers for Peers

Library Human Resources is happy to announce this month’s Cheers for Peers submissions. The following Library employees have been cheered by their peers:

• B.A. Davis-Howe
• Anna Smith
• Ana Rodriguez
• Johna Von Behrens
• Elisabeth Paulus
• Melanie Kuehn
• Grace Flavin
• Jenna Bayler
• Jennifer Vargo

To view the detailed Cheers for Peers submissions please view the Growing People blog.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Did You Know? A Monthly Factoid from Library Assessment

At the Outreach and Engagement Committee Retreat on February 26, library faculty and staff shared outreach and engagement programs designed for a wide range of audiences — from Indigenous university students, to anyone with an i‑card, to everyone in our broader community. These programs took place online and across campus and beyond, from library spaces to the Illini Union, the Idea Garden, the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, and many more.

In fiscal year 2025 alone, the Library organized 823 outreach and engagement activities, including exhibits, public lectures, tours, and workshops. Together, these efforts brought library collections, knowledge, and learning opportunities to more than 25,000 people.

To learn more about the programs featured at the Outreach and Engagement Retreat, please visit the committee website.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Recognizing Excellence

Please share your award, recognition, or grant! To initiate a request for publicity, employees (or their supervisors) should submit the Recognizing Excellence Submission Form.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Meeting Minutes (SAT, CDC, CAPT)

Please see the following URLs for the most recent meeting minutes of these groups:

• Senior Administration Team (SAT): library.illinois.edu/committees/committees/senior-administration-team
• Collection Development Committee (CDC): library.illinois.edu/staff/committee/collection-development-committee/
• Content Access Policy & Technology (CAPT) (including workgroup reports): library.illinois.edu/staff/committee/content-access-policy-technology-capt/

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FACILITIES NEWS: Facilities Update

Tim Newman, Assistant Dean of Libraries for Facilities

For a complete list of projects in planning and construction, please visit wordpress.library.illinois.edu/staff/facilities.

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BUSINESS NEWS: Professional Development Funds

Kim Johnson, Associate Director of Fiscal Operations

The last date that the Business Office will make travel arrangements is June 12, 2025. Please make sure you have your Professional Development form submitted, approved, and a travel arrangement meeting scheduled before June 12.

To request use of the Professional Development fund, please submit a Professional Development Funding and Travel Form.

Please note that the Business Office only approves the funding source and amount of funds; we are not approving the actual travel or time away from the office. Travel should be approved by your supervisor prior to submitting the Professional Development Funding and Travel Form.

Borrowing from future funds is not allowed. More information: library.illinois.edu/staff/bhrsc-business-services/basic-travel-support/

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BUSINESS NEWS: International Travel

For international travel commencing on or after July 1, 2026, when travel insurance was not obtained prior to the trip, a request for reimbursement WILL NOT be approved.  If the travel was purchased with a university TCard, a noncompliance will be issued to the cardholder.

This is a follow-up to the January reminder about the University of Illinois System’s requirement to enroll in international travel insurance prior to travel. This policy has been in place since 2024. Exceptions will no longer be approved. 

System policy 15.1.5 International Travel Insurance Requirements and the Business & Finance International Travel Insurance web page have been updated with this information. 

Prior to booking international travel, please review the following for university-specific information and enrollment: 

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and System Office: Enrollment and Fees

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BUSINESS NEWS: SPA Subaward Tracker

Subaward invoices are now managed in the SPA Subaward Tracker. This new functionality streamlines how invoices are submitted, reviewed, and approved, ensuring a transparent, consistent process for Units, PIs, and SPA. 

Within the system, Units will enter payment details and complete their review, while PIs will certify subrecipient performance and approve invoices for payment. If concerns arise, Units or PIs can return an invoice to SPA for review; SPA will determine if it must be sent back to the subrecipient. Units and PIs will be notified by email when an invoice requires their action and can also view pending invoices directly in their Subaward Tracker queues. 

Visit the Subaward Invoicing topic on the SPA website.

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BUSINESS NEWS: New Research Security Training Requirement

Overview

• Online training that provides recipients of federal research funding with information on risks and threats to the global research ecosystem.
• Federal research funding agencies are required to implement Research Security Training program.

Requirement:

• Research Security Training required began February 1, 2026
• For all federal awards, anyone, regardless of title or position, who participates in the purpose, design, conduct, or reporting of the federally funded research or who proposes federally funded research.
• Required within the 12 months prior to proposal submission to a federal sponsor and/or within 30 days of joining a federally funded sponsored research project.
• Renewal is required annually and consists of repeating the RST course in the Portal.
• To complete, go to the Portal at https://go.illinois.edu/ResSecTraining

If the Research Security Training is not completed, proposals will not be submitted and/or awards will not be set up.  This also applies to collaborators, consultants, and subawardees on federal proposals and awards.

If you have any questions, please contact Chad Lewis at lewis2@illinois.edu (217-333-0380) or reach out to researchsecurity@illinois.edu.

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HR NEWS: Departures

• Jenny Johnson – Faculty – Map Library – Retiring, last day May 31, 2026
• Susanne Belovari – Faculty – University Archives – Retiring, last day September 25, 2026
• Jennifer Gavel – CS – BHRSC – Resigning, last day August 31, 2026

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HR NEWS: Civil Service Vacancies

• Administrative Assistant – Library Advancement – Finalizing Search
• Manager, Workstation and Network Support (WNS) – Library IT – Interviewing
• Library Operations Associate – Funk ACES Library – Interviewing
• Library Specialist – Slavic Cataloging w/ Language Specialty – Acquisitions & Cataloging Services – Interviewing
• Accountant I – BHRSC – Interviewing

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HR NEWS:  Academic Professional and Faculty Open Postings

• Humanities Librarian (African American Studies and English Literature) – HPNL – Pending Offer
• Bioengineering Librarian – Grainger Library – Finalizing Search
• Visiting Music & Performing Arts Special Collections Librarian – MPAL – Finalizing Search
• Engineering Instruction and Outreach Librarian – Grainger Library – Interviewing

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HR NEWS: In Memoriam

• Ya’aqoub Ziso
• Yvette Scheven

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Staff Events Calendar

To see the most up-to-date staff events calendar, please visit libcal.library.illinois.edu/calendar/staff.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Women in Science Lecture: Dr. Samar Hegazy

May 6 at 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Registration

Dr. Samar Hegazy, Teaching Associate Professor of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, will discuss her research on pathologies in female reproduction and her work on improving pathology education.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: CARLI Protecting Collections: Proactive and Responsive Strategies for Environmental Damage

May 6 at 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Registration

Stay informed on all the ways you can prepare your organization and protect your materials from disaster or poor climate conditions. Water, mold, pests and unstable climates can threaten irreplaceable archival and library collections. Join Matt DeCirce, Polygon, to discuss how institutions can better prepare for environmental risks and implement effective recovery strategies to protect valuable materials and minimize long-term damage.

Attendees will learn how to:

• Identify the most common threats to archival and library collections
• Implement preparedness strategies that reduce risk and improve response
• Prioritize stabilization and response actions following environmental damage
• Understand the specialized recovery services that are currently available
• Develop practical emergency preparedness and recovery plans

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Purchasing App Training

May 7 at 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Registration

The Business Office is offering Purchasing App training online and in person. The May training will take place in person. We’ll walk through the process together, provide links to resources, and answer your questions.

Registration is required. Additional dates:

• Monday, June 8, at 2:00–3:00 p.m. on Teams. This will have a special focus on ALA.
• Wednesday, June 10, at 2:00–3:00 p.m. in the Main Library, Room 314. This will have a special focus on ALA.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Peer Instruction Shadowing Program: Wrap-Up & Reflection Session

May 12 at 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Registration

Join the Library Instruction Collective for a wrap-up session on the Peer Instruction Shadowing Program. This session will include a brief overview of the program, highlights from participant feedback, and short reflections from those who participated as observers and instructors.

The session will also include an open discussion on experiences, takeaways, and ideas for future iterations of the program. Whether you participated or are simply interested in learning more, all are welcome. Snacks will be provided, and the session will be in a hybrid format.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: CARLI Supporting Student Well-Being: De-Stress Programming in Academic Libraries

May 13 at 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Registration

This panel discussion will explore how academic libraries can support student well-being through intentional de-stress programming. Panelists will highlight practical programs such as Welcome Week initiatives, scavenger hunts, crafting events, low-stakes social events, Finals Week activities, and more. Attendees will leave with adaptable ideas for implementing effective, inclusive de-stress programs in their own libraries and learn more about contributing to a healthier campus environment.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Main Library Spaces Task Force Open Forum #3

May 13 at 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Registration

This is the third open forum for Library employees to discuss, ask questions, and provide feedback on the Main Library Spaces Taskforce Report: wordpress.library.illinois.edu/staff/administration/library-strategic-planning/main-library-spaces-task-force/

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Coffee for 5 with Claire

May 14 at 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Registration

This monthly gathering is designed for casual, small-group conversations. These will be held virtually on Zoom. 

Upcoming date: June 2 at 4:00–5:00 p.m.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: REI Phase 1 Training

May 19–20 at 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Registration

Racial Equity Institute’s (REI) two-day Phase 1 training is designed to develop the capacity of participants to better understand racism in its institutional and structural forms.

Moving away from a focus on personal bigotry and bias, this workshop presents a historical, cultural, and structural analysis of racism. Topics covered include our fish/lake/groundwater analysis of structural racism; understanding and controlling implicit bias; race, poverty, and place; markedness theory; institutional power arrangements and power brokers; importance of definitions of race and racism; history and legacy of race in American economic and policy development; racial identity and its interaction with institutional culture. With shared language and a clearer understanding of how institutions and systems are producing unjust and inequitable outcomes, participants should leave the training better equipped to begin to work for change.

Engaging in DEIA work is essential to the strong and just future we all strive for together, and participating will help us build a strong foundation of shared understanding, vocabulary and focus on which to build.

If you have attended the Phase 1 training, you are able to attend as one of five Alumni, please email Christina Bonse at bonse2@illinois.edu. This is an online event. Event URL will be sent via registration email.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: 2026 Library Summer Social

May 20 at 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Registration Required by May 10

We are thrilled to invite all permanent Library employees to the ultimate Library after-hours hangout! Employees are requested to register and are welcome to bring their immediate family members or plus-ones to join the fun. Drop in any time between 5-9 p.m., mingle with your fellow colleagues, and celebrate the end of the semester. This is a family-friendly social event with kid-friendly activities, goats, games, and beverages. A full buffet-style meal will be provided and refreshed, so come hungry and plan to enjoy dinner with us. There will be no formal program—just a chance to relax and spend time together.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Library Teaching Retreat: Instruction Showcase

June 1 at 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Registration
The first day of the 2026 Library Teaching Retreat is an instruction showcase featuring Nancy O’Brien, Mary Ton, Ruthann Mowry, María Emerson, and others from across the library! Each person will give a demonstration of an activity or approach they use when teaching in their subject area. Breakfast snacks and coffee will be provided. This is a hybrid event that will take place in Main 314 and online via Zoom.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Library Teaching Retreat: Teaching Menu Workshop

June 2 at 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Registration

The second day of the 2026 Library Teaching Retreat is a workshop on creating a teaching menu. Teaching menus allow library instructors to share their teaching expertise with course instructors and students in a manner that promotes sustainable teaching practices and expectations. Attendees will learn teaching menu best practices, learn from Emilee Matthews’ experience creating a teaching menu, and brainstorm ways to offer E-Learning options within a teaching menu. Breakfast snacks and coffee will be provided. This is an in-person event that will take place in Main 314.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Undocumented Ally Training for the University Library

June 17 at 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Registration

Students and employees who are undocumented, DACA or other temporary protected status experience unique challenges in educational and workplace settings. Ross Wantland from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Access, Civil Rights & Community will lead an interactive session to learn to better support undocumented students and employees at Illinois. This workshop will also discuss campus protocols for responding to campus immigration enforcement. Questions, contact Victor Jones vjones7@illinois.edu.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Library Reorganization Project: Feedback Needed

The Reorganization Project Team is continuing to gather feedback.

There are four possible organizational models developed by the Reorganization Project Team now available as Activity 5 on our reorganization website. 

1.  Please complete the survey to provide feedback on these models. We would love to get additional responses by Wednesday, April 8.

2.   View a recorded tour of the four models:

• Thursday, March 19, 10:00–10:45 a.m. link to Zoom recording
• Tuesday, March 24, 4:00–4:45 p.m. link to Zoom recording
• Four Model Tour – presentation slides

3.   Join a drop-in office hours session:

• Thursday, April 2, 9-10 AM hosted by Mary Laskowski and Jenny Maddox Abbott on Zoom
• Friday, April 3, 11-Noon hosted by Mary Laskowski and Tracy Tolliver at the Grainger Engineering Library Room 329

As always, general comments, questions, alternative org chart designs, and other information can always be sent to the LibAdmin@illinois.edu email account, where it will be compiled by the administrative support team and shared to the Reorganization Project Team. 

Please see Dean Stewart’s emails to the lib-perm-employees listserv for additional information not included above.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Building Project Update – 4/1/2026

Tom Teper, Associate Dean and Associate University Librarian for Collections and Technical Services

Construction continues apace, with our most recent site observation from the architect estimating that the project is 32% completed. As of March 26th, the following work was in progress: Installation of hot fluid applied waterproofing at plaza ongoing. Wood walkway installed to west pavilion doors to protect waterproofing; upper-level wall framing ongoing and one side of walls being topped out with GWB; wall framing and door frames being installed at upper-level west corridor; MEP rough-ins ongoing throughout; ductwork being installed throughout upper level; lower-level plumbing work (below slab) ongoing; conduit installation at lower-level progressing; drilling for new east elevator piston; roof work started on west pavilion; site cleanup and rough grading ongoing; CMU installation at east elevator area, upper level.

Progress of the Work: Additional hot fluid applied waterproofing installed at southwest corner of plaza and between west pavilion & courtyard; Temporary protective walkway installed to west pavilion entry; terrazzo demolished at upper level elevator lobby and west corridor; Framing walls and installing door frames; metal stairs partially installed at east pavilion (new south egress stairs); CMU wall installed at east pavilion stair (north wall); cold fluid applied waterproofing complete except for various tie-ins; formwork installed for equipment pads at north lower level mechanical room.

Below is an assortment of photos taken by JP Goguen on March 26, 2026.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: April 2026: Accessibility Steering Committee Update

Work is continuing at both the Library and the campus level. Below is an update on these efforts: 

1. Digital Accessibility and Excellence Roadmap
   We’re excited to share the Year Two Roadmap, including guidance on making content accessible, including LibGuides:
   library.illinois.edu/committees/wp-content/uploads/sites/89/2026/04/University-Library-Digital-Accessibility-and-Excellence-Roadmap-Year-Two.docx
   If you would like to review the Year One Roadmap, you can find it here: uofi.box.com/s/23qx8tjx3g3g7zjathujv5z10j4p155d 
2. Questions About Digital Accessibility?
   Making digital content accessible can be challenging (for example, writing alt text)—but we’re here to help. Send us your questions, and we’ll provide guidance using real-world examples. Your question may help address challenges others in the Library are facing as well. Submit your questions here: go.illinois.edu/digitalaccessibilitysurvey 
3. Weekly Office Hours for Digital Accessibility  
   For anyone who has questions about digital accessibility efforts, or would like assistance with a specific issue, John Laskowski, User Experience & Web Strategy Coordinator, will be hosting weekly office hours every Thursday from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. on Teams. Please reach out to John with any questions (jdlasko@illinois.edu).  

The Library Accessibility Steering Committee was created to address accessibility improvements throughout the Library’s digital presence. This Committee seeks to guide efforts toward identifying needs, setting priorities, and making decisions regarding this accessibility effort.  

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: MPAL Renovations

Kirstin Johnson, Head of the Music and Performing Arts Library

The first floor of the Music and Performing Arts Library is getting some updates this summer! We will be replacing the ceiling and lights as well as painting. There may be additional improvements to flooring and furniture, so stay tuned to this page for the latest news.

Project Timeline: The full timeline is available on MPAL’s website. These dates are estimates and we will update this page if these targets change.

• April 6: First-floor collections begin move to the Main Stacks in the Main Library and can be used or requested from there
  • The move of the 1st floor collections will take 6 weeks on either side of the renovation work, with additional time needed to remove and reconstruct shelving.

• April 6-May 22: Services and study spaces on both floors and second floor collections available to patrons as normal

If you have questions about the renovation or are having issues finding or locating materials during it, please send an email to mpal@library.illinois.edu.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Cheers for Peers

Library Human Resources is happy to announce this month’s Cheers for Peers submissions. The following Library employees have been cheered by their peers:

• Scott Mann
• Erik Chapman
• Alfredo Guadarrama
• Skye Arseneau
• Jenna Bayler

To view the detailed Cheers for Peers submissions please view the Growing People blog.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Did You Know? A Monthly Factoid from Library Assessment

Check back next month for a factoid from Library Assessment!

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Recognizing Excellence

• Teaching, Learning, and Academic Support Team Receives Recognition for Student Success and Campus Partnerships
• Ruthann Mowry Awarded BRIDGE Seed Grant

Please share your award, recognition, or grant! To initiate a request for publicity, employees (or their supervisors) should submit the Recognizing Excellence Submission Form.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Meeting Minutes (SAT, CDC, CAPT)

Please see the following URLs for the most recent meeting minutes of these groups:

• Content Access Policy & Technology (CAPT) (including workgroup reports): library.illinois.edu/staff/committee/content-access-policy-technology-capt/
• Senior Administration Team (SAT): library.illinois.edu/committees/committees/senior-administration-team
• Collection Development Committee (CDC): library.illinois.edu/staff/committee/collection-development-committee/

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FACILITIES NEWS: Facilities Update

Tim Newman, Assistant Dean of Libraries for Facilities

For a complete list of projects in planning and construction, please visit wordpress.library.illinois.edu/staff/facilities.

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BUSINESS NEWS: Paying Participants in a Research Study

Kim Johnson, Associate Director of Fiscal Operations

If you will be paying individuals to participate in a research study, first a determination needs to be made to find out if the study is a human subject study or a program improvement study.

An human subject study is when aliving individual about whom an investigator conducting research obtains data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or identifiable private information.

A program improvement study (or program evaluation) is a systematic method for collecting, analyzing, and using information to answer questions about projects, policies, and programs, particularly about their effectiveness and efficiency

The main difference between the two types of study is that a human subject study requires review from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Institutional Review Board (UIUC IRB). If you need help with whether you project meets the definition of Human Subject Research or a Clinical Investigation, please contact the Office for Protection of Research Subjects (OPRS).

To request an IRB, please use the IRBOnline system. The approval of the application will be needed by the Library Business Office for any payments to human subjects.

Once a determination has been made on if you need an IRB, the next step would be to determine if a cash payment or a gift card will be given to the participants.

For each of the following payment methods, the Business Office will need documentation with the following information:

• IRB Number (if applicable)
• Amount paid to each recipient
• Name or Recipient Identifier
• UIN (if applicable)
• Email address
• Date received by recipient
• Signature of recipient

*Before requesting a Program Advance, please make sure you have access to Chrome River and have setup the Business Office staff as delegates.

Cash Payment (No Program Advance)

Cash payments can be made without a cash advance through the Business Office. Please provide documentation with the information above and the Business Office will process the payment to the individuals as per university policies.

Cash Payments with Program Advance

Please request a Program Advance. Once the Program Advance is received by the Business Office, it will be processed. The funds will be deposited into the requestor’s bank account.

To distribute the payments, the Requestor will need to document each payment given out with the documentation listed above (***see below for international payments). Any unused advance money will need to be returned to the University in the form of a check made payable to “University of Illinois” and give the check (if applicable) and the documentation to the Business Office to close out the Program Advance.

Gift Card payments with Program Advance (ONLY)

Please request a Program Advance. Once the Program Advance is received by the Business Office, it will be processed. The funds will be deposited into the requestor’s bank account.

To distribute the payments, the Requestor will need to document each payment given out with the documentation listed above (***see below for international payments). Any unused advance money will need to be returned to the University in the form of a check made payable to “University of Illinois” and give the check (if applicable) and the documentation to the Business Office to close out the Program Advance.

Amazon eCodes

Another way to request payments is by requesting Amazon eCodes. Using this method, funds will be deducted from your designated C-FOP as codes are issued (***see below for international payments). To get started:

1. Complete the Amazon eCode Setup form.
2. In the form under the Business Manager and CFOAP approver’s name, enter Kimberly Johnson
3. Email for Business Manager and CFOAP approver, bhrsc@library.illinois.edu
4. When you receive email “Amazon eCode Setup Form,” please email that to bhrsc@library.illinois.edu for the Business Office to retain record of the request
5. Instructions will be sent to the principal investigator or designee on how to issue eCodes.
6. If you have any questions completing the form, please contact the Library Business Office at bhrsc@library.illinois.edu.

***International individuals are not allowed to receive gift cards and must be processed through the Library Business Office. Please provide documentation with the information above and the Business Office will process the payment to the individuals as per university policies and IRS regulations.

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BUSINESS NEWS: International Travel

For international travel commencing on or after July 1, 2026, when travel insurance was not obtained prior to the trip, a request for reimbursement WILL NOT be approved.  If the travel was purchased with a university TCard, a noncompliance will be issued to the cardholder.

This is a follow-up to the January reminder about the University of Illinois System’s requirement to enroll in international travel insurance prior to travel. This policy has been in place since 2024. Exceptions will no longer be approved. 

System policy 15.1.5 International Travel Insurance Requirements and the Business & Finance International Travel Insurance web page have been updated with this information. 

Prior to booking international travel, please review the following for university-specific information and enrollment: 

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and System Office: Enrollment and Fees

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BUSINESS NEWS: SPA Subaward Tracker

Subaward invoices are now managed in the SPA Subaward Tracker. This new functionality streamlines how invoices are submitted, reviewed, and approved, ensuring a transparent, consistent process for Units, PIs, and SPA. 

Within the system, Units will enter payment details and complete their review, while PIs will certify subrecipient performance and approve invoices for payment. If concerns arise, Units or PIs can return an invoice to SPA for review; SPA will determine if it must be sent back to the subrecipient. Units and PIs will be notified by email when an invoice requires their action and can also view pending invoices directly in their Subaward Tracker queues. 

Visit the Subaward Invoicing topic on the SPA website.

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BUSINESS NEWS: Grants: New Research Security Training Requirement

Overview

• Online training that provides recipients of federal research funding with information on risks and threats to the global research ecosystem.
• Federal research funding agencies are required to implement Research Security Training program.

Requirement:

• Research Security Training required began February 1, 2026
• For all federal awards, anyone, regardless of title or position, who participates in the purpose, design, conduct, or reporting of the federally funded research or who proposes federally funded research.
• Required within the 12 months prior to proposal submission to a federal sponsor and/or within 30 days of joining a federally funded sponsored research project.
• Renewal is required annually and consists of repeating the RST course in the Portal.
• To complete, go to the Portal at go.illinois.edu/ResSecTraining

If the Research Security Training is not completed, proposals will not be submitted and/or awards will not be set up.  This also applies to collaborators, consultants, and subawardees on federal proposals and awards.

If you have any questions, please contact Chad Lewis at lewis2@illinois.edu (217-333-0380) or reach out to researchsecurity@illinois.edu.

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HR NEWS: Civil Service Vacancies

• Manager, Workstation and Network Support (WNS) – Library IT – Interviewing
• Administrative Assistant – Library Advancement – Interviewing
• Library Operations Associate – Funk ACES Library – Interviewing Soon
• Library Specialist – Slavic Cataloging w/ Language Specialty – Acquisitions & Cataloging Services – Interviewing Soon
• Accountant I—BHRSC – Closed March 31, 2026

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HR NEWS: Academic Professional and Faculty Open Postings

• Bioengineering Librarian – Grainger Library – Finalizing Search
• Visiting Music & Performing Arts Special Collections Librarian – MPAL – Interviewing
• Visiting Open Educational Resources Librarian – SCP – Finalizing Search
• Humanities Librarian (African American Studies and English Literature) – HPNL – Interviewing
• Engineering Instruction and Outreach Librarian – GELIC – Interviewing

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Staff Events Calendar

To see the most up-to-date staff events calendar, please visit libcal.library.illinois.edu/calendar/staff.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: 20th Annual Edible Book Festival

April 4 at 11:30 a.m.
Registration

Around April 1st, bibliophiles, book artists, and food lovers around the world gather to celebrate the book arts and the (literal!) ingestion of culture. Participants create an “edible book,” which can be inspired by a favorite tale, involve a pun on a famous title, or simply be in the shape of a book (or scroll, or tablet, etc). Photographs of all edible books will appear in the Edible Book Festival gallery.

The Champaign-Urbana Edible Book Festival is sponsored by the University Library, and supported by the generous help of campus and community volunteers and prize donors. It is a fundraiser to support the crucial work of the Wesley Food Pantry.

Join us to celebrate 20 years of the Edible Book Festival!

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: World Poetry in Translation

April 9 at 3:00 p.m.
More information

Come celebrate National Poetry Month (April) with the Literatures and Languages Library by reading or listening to poems from around the world in the original language and English translation. Readers will have 5 minutes to present poems and there will be open mic at the end. To read a poem(s), please send the title/ language of the poem(s) by March 25, 2026 to Paula Carns at pcarns@illinois.edu and Marek Sroka at msroka@illinois.edu. All are welcome!

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Player Piano Demonstration

April 10 at 4:00–5:00 p.m.
More information

Enjoy a free concert featuring the Music & Performing Arts Library’s Steinway Duo-Art Reproducing Piano! See the piano in action and learn more about the instrument and roll collection. This is an informal event and all are welcome!

This event will take place in the Music & Performing Arts Library’s player piano room, which is located on the second floor of the library. MPAL is located in the Music Building (1114 W Nevada St., Urbana). See our website for accessibility information and how to get to MPAL.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Introduction to LibGuides Training (Hybrid)

April 13 at 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Registration

*Hybrid: Join us on Zoom or in room 314. 

This hands-on training session is intended for anyone who has, or will have, responsibility for creating and maintaining LibGuides in their library unit, including those new to LibGuides and those looking to refresh LibGuides skills. Access to your unit’s LibApps account is required for this session, and is open to all library staff and GAs. 

In this session, participants will…

• learn what LibGuides are and best practices
• learn how to access, create, edit, and maintain accessible unit LibGuides
• learn where and how to receive LibGuides help and support

Questions about this session, and other LibGuides queries, may be directed to libguides@library.illinois.edu.

Related LibGuide: Getting Started with LibGuides by Teaching, Learning, and Academic Support Library

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Assessing, Maintaining, & Deleting Your LibGuides (Hybrid)

April 14 at 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Registration

*Hybrid: Join us on Zoom or in room 314.

This workshop session is intended for people with existing LibGuide experience and is a follow-up to the Introduction to LibGuides Training session.

During this workshop you will learn:

• The current state of LibGuides at the University Library
• How to create a review cycle
• How to implement a workflow for assessing, maintaining, and deleting LibGuides

Questions about this session, and other LibGuides queries, may be directed to libguides@library.illinois.edu.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Purchasing App Training

April 14 at 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Registration

The Business Office is offering Purchasing App training online and in person. The April training will take place on Teams. We’ll walk through the process together, provide links to resources, and answer your questions.

Registration is required. Additional dates:

• Thursday, May 7, at 2:00–3:00 p.m. in the Main Library, Room 314
• Monday, June 8, at 2:00–3:00 p.m. on Teams. This will have a special focus on ALA.
• Wednesday, June 10, at 2:00–3:00 p.m. in the Main Library, Room 314. This will have a special focus on ALA.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Open Forum on the University Library

April 16 at 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Registration

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to an Open Forum co-sponsored by the Senate Library Committee and the University Library. The Forum will cover a variety of topics, including Main Library space planning, with remarks from Dean of Libraries and University Librarian Claire Stewart about the state of the Library and other library initiatives. Attend in person or register here to attend via Zoom.  

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Global Book History Lecture: Textual Materiality in the Medieval World

April 17 at 3:00–5:00 p.m.
More information

This public event will begin with a lecture by Dr. Warren C. Brown (California Institute of Technology discussing medieval textuality and materiality. A reception and open house will follow, where visitors may view our recently acquired Merovingian manuscript and Greek papyrus. All are welcome, and refreshments will be served.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: LibGuides & Title II: Making Your LibGuides Accessible (Hybrid)

April 20 at 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Registration

*Hybrid: Join us on Zoom or in room 314.

Learn how to make your LibGuides compliant with Title II requirements. 

Questions about this session, and other LibGuides queries, may be directed to: libguides@library.illinois.edu.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Solving the World’s Challenges: Invasive Species

April 21 at 2:30–3:30 p.m.
More information

Three experts from across campus will each discuss their work related to Invasive Species and respond to questions from attendees during the #FunkPanel2026. Their work focuses on Illinois invasive species issues with an emphasis on management and prevention; threats to Illinois agriculture, forestry and the environment; as well as ongoing research on biological invasions. This in-person and online panel presentation on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Central) will be an opportunity for people to come together with the Funk ACES Library to learn about and discuss Invasive Species research and initiatives led by members of our campus community.

We invite you to attend the panel in-person on the 2^nd floor of the Funk ACES Library for an opportunity to talk with the panelists and other attendees during the 30-minute reception following the presentation. Also, for in-person attendees, we will have a raffle for two books related to Invasive Species. We are providing a Zoom option for virtual attendees.

Panelists

• Karla Griesbaum, Extension Educator, Natural Resources, Environment, & Energy
• Kelly Estes, State Survey Coordinator, Illinois Natural History Survey
• Andy Suarez, Professor, Integrative Biology

This virtual event is free and open to the public. If you will need an accommodation to participate or would like more information, please contact jshearer@illinois.edu. Early requests are encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting access needs. If attending via Zoom, live transcription will be available and the event will be recorded. For more details, visit our Solving the World’s Challenges Panel Presentation Exhibit or learn about our past panel events.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Coffee for 5 with Claire

April 22 at 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Registration

Let’s have a chat! This monthly gathering is designed for casual, small-group conversations. These will be held virtually on Zoom. Calendar invitation will follow.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: REI Phase 1 Training

May 19–20 at 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Registration

Racial Equity Institute’s (REI) two-day Phase 1 training is designed to develop the capacity of participants to better understand racism in its institutional and structural forms.

Moving away from a focus on personal bigotry and bias, this workshop presents a historical, cultural, and structural analysis of racism. Topics covered include our fish/lake/groundwater analysis of structural racism; understanding and controlling implicit bias; race, poverty, and place; markedness theory; institutional power arrangements and power brokers; importance of definitions of race and racism; history and legacy of race in American economic and policy development; racial identity and its interaction with institutional culture. With shared language and a clearer understanding of how institutions and systems are producing unjust and inequitable outcomes, participants should leave the training better equipped to begin to work for change.

Engaging in DEIA work is essential to the strong and just future we all strive for together, and participating will help us build a strong foundation of shared understanding, vocabulary and focus on which to build.

If you have attended the Phase 1 training, you are able to attend as one of five Alumni, please email Christina Bonse at bonse2@illinois.edu. This is an online event. Event URL will be sent via registration email.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: New Coffee Spot in the Main Library Opens 

The Espresso Royale R&D Lab opened in the Main Library on Monday, March 2, launching a pilot initiative that runs through May 15. The coffee spot will operate inside the Orange Room (northwest corner closest to the north building entrance facing Wright/Armory) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., serving all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. Stop by for fresh dark and medium roast drip coffee, creamy vanilla cold brew, and coffee with hazelnut and cream, along with muffins, croissants, danishes, scones, fresh fruit parfaits, and a variety of salads—including vegan and gluten-free options. Note: the R&D Lab will pause service during Spring Break (March 14–22).

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: March 2026 Update: Library Accessibility Steering Committee

Over the past several months, work has continued both at the Library and the campus level. Below is an update on these efforts: 

1. Questions About Digital Accessibility?
   Making digital content accessible can be challenging (for example, writing alt text)—but we’re here to help. Send us your questions, and we’ll provide guidance using real-world examples. Your question may help address challenges others in the Library are facing as well. Submit your questions here: https://go.illinois.edu/digitalaccessibilitysurvey 
2. Forthcoming Digital Accessibility and Excellence Roadmap 
   Year Two of the Roadmap is nearing completion. This will include guidance on making content accessible, including LibGuides. If you would like to review the Year One Roadmap, you can find it here: https://uofi.box.com/s/23qx8tjx3g3g7zjathujv5z10j4p155d
3. Weekly Office Hours for Digital Accessibility 
   For anyone who has questions about digital accessibility efforts, or would like assistance with a specific issue, John Laskowski, User Experience & Web Strategy Coordinator, will be hosting weekly office hours every Thursday from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. on Teams. Please reach out to John with any questions (jdlasko@illinois.edu).  

The Library Accessibility Steering Committee was created to address accessibility improvements throughout the Library’s digital presence. This Committee seeks to guide efforts toward identifying needs, setting priorities, and making decisions regarding this accessibility effort.  

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Cheers for Peers

Library Human Resources is happy to announce this month’s Cheers for Peers submissions. The following Library employees have been cheered by their peers:

• Damian Behymer
• Grace Flavin
• Amy Dannowitz
• Zoe Revell
• Jake MacGregor
• Maddy Hardy
• Kristen Blankenship
• Paul Gowens
• Sara Benson
• Megean Osuchowski
• Alissa Marcum
• Sara Kiel
• Dulcie Vermillion

To view the detailed Cheers for Peers submissions please view the Growing People blog.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Did You Know? A Monthly Factoid from Library Assessment

Belinda Bolivar, Library Assessment Specialist

The Main Library is a hub of activity for students at all hours of the day. But which hours are the busiest? As part of Fall 2025 Sweeps Week (October 13–19, 2025), we collected Visitor Counts from Main Library Study Spaces (Social Sciences, Health and Education Library (SSHEL), The Orange Room, Shebik Family Reading Room, Central Access Services, Media Commons, Literature & Languages, History, Philosophy, & Newspaper, and Map Library) and found that students visit the Main Library at all hours. While visits peaked between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., students continued to use the Main Library from the morning hours into the night.

Check out all Library Study Spaces: Study Spaces Throughout the University Library

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Recognizing Excellence

• Laila Hussein Moustafa Receives Ph.D. in Information Studies
• Fall 2025 Presentations by Library Faculty and Academic Professionals
• Fall 2025 Publications by Library Faculty and Academic Professionals
• Fall 2025 Professional Service by Library Faculty and Academic Professionals

Please share your award, recognition, or grant! To initiate a request for publicity, employees (or their supervisors) should submit the Recognizing Excellence Submission Form.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Meeting Minutes (SAT, CDC, CAPT)

Please see the following URLs for the most recent meeting minutes of these groups:

• Senior Administration Team (SAT): library.illinois.edu/committees/committees/senior-administration-team
• Collection Development Committee (CDC): library.illinois.edu/staff/committee/collection-development-committee/
• Content Access Policy & Technology (CAPT) (including workgroup reports): library.illinois.edu/staff/committee/content-access-policy-technology-capt/

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FACILITIES NEWS: Facilities Update

Tim Newman, Assistant Dean of Libraries for Facilities

For a complete list of projects in planning and construction, please visit wordpress.library.illinois.edu/staff/facilities.

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BUSINESS NEWS: 2026 ALA Conference: Tips & Tricks

Kim Johnson, Associate Director of Fiscal Operations

Save Money! Register by the early cutoff date: April 24. View registration rates here: ALA Annual Registration Rates

Funding Information: Professional Development funding can be used for:

• Membership dues
• Direct conference expenses (travel, registration, hotel, per diem)

Important Fiscal Year Details: The ALA Conference runs June 25–June 29, which coincides with the University’s fiscal year-end. Per University policy:

• Travel expenses will be charged to the fiscal year in which the trip begins.
• For the 2026 ALA Conference, this means FY26 funds only.
• FY27 funds cannot be used for this trip.

Reimbursement Deadline: Because the conference ends near the fiscal year close, there will be a tight turnaround for expense processing.

• All reimbursement requests must be submitted in the Purchasing App by July 3.
• This ensures processing and payment before the final FY26 deadline.

View the ALA Conference Travel FAQ.

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BUSINESS NEWS: Grants

Starting Monday, February 23, 2026, subaward invoices will be managed in the SPA Subaward Tracker. This new functionality streamlines how invoices are submitted, reviewed, and approved, ensuring a transparent, consistent process for Units, PIs, and SPA.

Within the system, Units will enter payment details and complete their review, while PIs will certify subrecipient performance and approve invoices for payment. If concerns arise, Units or PIs can return an invoice to SPA for review; SPA will determine if it must be sent back to the subrecipient. Units and PIs will be notified by email when an invoice requires their action and can also view pending invoices directly in their Subaward Tracker queues.

On the go-live date, complete resources and guidance will be available within the SPA website’s Subawards topic. These materials include step-by-step processes, invoice lifecycle details, and FAQs

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BUSINESS NEWS: New Research Security Training Requirement

Overview:

• Online training that provides recipients of federal research funding with information on risks and threats to the global research ecosystem.
• Federal research funding agencies are required to implement Research Security Training program.

Requirement:

• Research Security Training required began February 1, 2026
• For all federal awards, anyone, regardless of title or position, who participates in the purpose, design, conduct, or reporting of the federally funded research or who proposes federally funded research.
• Required within the 12 months prior to proposal submission to a federal sponsor and/or within 30 days of joining a federally funded sponsored research project.
• Renewal is required annually and consists of repeating the RST course in the Portal.
• To complete, go to the Portal at go.illinois.edu/ResSecTraining

If the Research Security Training is not completed, proposals will not be submitted and/or awards will not be set up.  This also applies to collaborators, consultants, and subawardees on federal proposals and awards.

If you have any questions, please contact Chad Lewis at lewis2@illinois.edu (217-333-0380) or reach out to researchsecurity@illinois.edu.es, invoice lifecycle details, and FAQs

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HR NEWS: Filled Positions

• Kyle McCafferty – Library Specialist for Monographic & Media Acquisitions – Acquisitions & Cataloging Services – Starting March 2, 2026

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HR NEWS: Departures

• Jafar Muhammad– Accountant I – BHRSC – Resigned, last day February 13, 2026

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HR NEWS: Civil Service Vacancies

• Manager, Workstation and Network Support (WNS) – Library IT – Interviewing soon
• Administrative Assistant – Library Advancement – Closing March 3, 2026
• Library Operations Associate – Funk ACES Library – Closing March 5, 2026
• Library Specialist – Slavic Cataloging w/ Language Specialty – Acquisitions & Cataloging Services – Closing March 12, 2026

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HR NEWS:  Academic Professional and Faculty Open Postings

• Bioengineering Librarian – Grainger Library – Finalizing Search
• Visiting Music & Performing Arts Special Collections Librarian – MPAL – Interviewing
• Visiting Open Educational Resources Librarian – SCP – Interviewing
• Humanities Librarian (African American Studies and English Literature) – HPNL – Interviewing Soon
• Engineering Instruction and Outreach Librarian – GELIC – Closing March 6, 2026

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Staff Events Calendar

To see the most up-to-date staff events calendar, please visit libcal.library.illinois.edu/calendar/staff.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: CARLI Open Pedagogy Workshop

March 4 at 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Registration

When you use open pedagogy in your classroom, you are inviting students to be part of the teaching process, participating in the co-creation of knowledge. In this online workshop, you will learn the definition and context of Open Pedagogy, view innovative examples being applied in a variety of subjects and formats, and work with other attendees to create an assignment that you can use in your own class. Sponsored by the CARLI OER Committee.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Building Strong Instruction Partnerships on Campus

March 4 at 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Registration

This discussion-based session is designed for library instructors interested in building and sustaining instructional partnerships with instructors and campus partners.

Invited participants with experience across e-learning initiatives, programmatic instruction, and subject-based teaching will respond to guided questions and engage in open conversation with attendees. The session will highlight practical strategies for communication, relationship-building, and collaboration, and is intentionally designed to be low-prep and conversational.

Snacks will be provided. Registration is not required, but it will help us plan for space and refreshments.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Better Decision Making – Professional Development Series

March 10 at 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Registration

Explore key lessons from Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow on how we make judgments and choices—and practical ways to slow down, think more deliberately, and reduce common thinking traps. We’ll also look at everyday biases (like anchoring, availability, and framing) and how to recognize them to make more informed decisions.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Assess and Connect: 2026 Library Assessment Forum Presentation

March 11 at 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Register to attend online

The Library Assessment Committee invites you to join the 2026 Library Assessment Forum. Two Library Assessment Committee Grant (LAC Grant) recipients will discuss their experience with assessment and lessons learned.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Love Letter/Breakup Letter: An Assess and Connect Workshop

March 11
Online at 2:10–3:00 p.m.
Main Library Room 106 at 3:10–4:00 p.m.

“Love Letter/Breakup Letter” is a method used to gather insight into what users like and dislike about libraries. Participants will receive breakup letters—remixed from real feedback—and use them as prompts for reflection. In response, participants will write a “love letter” and brainstorm about ideas and tools for service improvement.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Purchasing App Training

March 18 at 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Registration

The Business Office is offering Purchasing App training online and in person. The March training will take place in the Main Library, Room 314. We’ll walk through the process together, provide links to resources, and answer your questions.

Registration is required. Additional dates:

• Tuesday, April 14, at 2:00–3:00 p.m. on Teams
• Thursday, May 7, at 2:00–3:00 p.m. in the Main Library, Room 314
• Monday, June 8, at 2:00–3:00 p.m. on Teams. This will have a special focus on ALA.
• Wednesday, June 10, at 2:00–3:00 p.m. in the Main Library, Room 314. This will have a special focus on ALA.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: From Memorization to Critical Thinking: An Embedded Librarian’s Guide to Designing Higher-Order Assessments

March 24 at 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Registration

Library instructors often rely on multiple-choice questions due to course access, grading, and time constraints, but these questions aren’t limited to assessing knowledge and comprehension. This webinar will show how instruction librarians can design assessments that foster higher-order thinking (yes, even with multiple choice questions) and align with meaningful learning objectives. Using Bloom’s Taxonomy, Backward Design, and real instruction examples, we’ll explore strategies for crafting application-level and above questions, connecting them to instructional content, and creating engaging, application-based activities. CARLI – Sponsored by FLVC.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Coffee for 5 with Claire

March 25 at 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Registration

Let’s have a chat! This monthly gathering is designed for casual, small-group conversations. These will be held virtual on Zoom. Calendar invitation will follow.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Increasing Productivity – Professional Development Series

March 26 at 1:30–3:00 p.m.
Registration

We will draw upon productivity systems like Getting Things Done and Pomodoro method to explore tools and strategies to manage your time effectively.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Of Colored Glass: Luxury, Loss, and Imitation from Antiquity to Byzantium

March 26 at 3:00–5:00 p.m.
More information

From its invention in the Bronze Age, glass was conceived as “molten stone” and continuously used to emulate gems, gold, and rare marbles. Drawing on archaeological finds, representations in art works, and written sources, Dr. Anastasios Antonaras (Museum of Byzantine Culture, Thessaloniki,) places Byzantine glass in context to a wider Mediterranean tradition where it emerges as a powerful medium of splendor, authority, and sacred presence. 

This talk is sponsored by the Department of Classics, and hosted in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library. It is free and open to all audiences, and refreshments will be served.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Restringing Altgeld’s Mathematical Models: Touching, Tying, and Understanding Mathematics

March 27 at 2:00–3:00 p.m.
More information

The Department of Mathematics and the University Library have been collaborating to build a digital library collection for Altgeld Hall’s historic mathematical models. This work includes creating descriptive metadata, assessing physical condition, and cleaning and conserving the models. Because every line and surface of these models represents a mathematical expression, their care and interpretation require expertise from two worlds: mathematics and preservation.

To highlight this interdisciplinary collaboration, the event will feature Professor Jared Bronski (Department of Mathematics) and Professor Jennifer Hain Teper (Head of Preservation Services, University Library). Together, they will discuss how mathematical models are interpreted, handled, and preserved, followed by a hands-on demonstration of restringing a string model.

A reception will be held in 300 Harker Hall (Math Common Room) following the event, in conjunction with the Department of Mathematics’ Monthly Cake & Tea.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Updated Event Planning Resources and Call for Spring Semester Events

Sara Berthier, Events Administrator Associate

Following up on our Event Planning Open Listening Sessions in November, we have updated some of our event planning resources. In planning for your Spring semester events, please check out the updated University Library Events webpage where you will find:

• A step by step Event Planning Checklist with the official process.
• An Event Planning Flowchart that will help you verify if your event needs to be communicated to us through the Event Planning Form.
  • Upon submission of the form, you will receive a copy of the results from Webtools. If you need to edit your form after submitting, you can do so by modifying your submission. The Events team is automatically notified of any edits you make.

We have taken into account the feedback from both Open Listening Sessions and the results from the September Pulse Survey. Our next steps will be to improve and streamline the events form, provide clear guidelines on sponsorships, provide employees with a better internal interface to view planned Library events and creating an online platform for event items that can be loaned (tablecloths, banners, etc.).

If you have further questions, please reach out to events@library.illinois.edu.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Illinois Open Publishing Network: New Titles

IOPN is excited to announce the publication of The Design of the Built Environment: The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Campus and Its Context by School of Architecture professor Kevin J. Hinders. Hinders, an architect, educator, and urban designer produces a work that both explains and demonstrates key architectural principles through experiential learning. This open educational resource (OER) explores the architectural, cultural, and historical development of the Urbana campus and its surroundings. Published under the Windsor & Downs imprint, this textbook was partially funded by the University Library and the Office of the Provost’s 2025 Faculty OER Incentive Program. Accessibility improvements for this publication were supported by The Robert and Kay Merrick Family Endowment Fund. (Read more about this title on the IOPN news blog.)

The following IOPN supported journals have also published new issues recently:

• SourceLab
• ВИВЛIОθИКА / Vivliofika 

Stay tuned for other publications coming soon! 

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FACILITIES NEWS: Library Building Project – 2/1/2026

Tom Teper, Associate Dean and Associate University Librarian for Collections and Technical Services

Construction continues apace, with our most recent site observation from the architect estimating that the project is over 25% completed. As of January 15^th, the following work was in progress: Existing sloping stone sills at courtyard (removed for cleaning and new flashing installation) are being reinstalled; Mockup of acoustic ceiling panel installed in waffle ceiling (upper level) for review; Ductwork installation along south side of upper level has started (ductwork sitting on floor, ready for installation); Additional ductwork scattered around upper level, ready for installation; Priming/painting waffle slab near east side of upper level; CMU wall installation underway in upper level below east pavilion; and waterproofing work continues at north side of plaza. Flashing installed on perimeter walls and some raised square benched.

Due to current weather conditions, most work moved inside. Over the next three weeks, we should see the following on the exterior (weather permitting): elevator shaft forming and pouring; forming and pouring roof curbs on pavilions, hot fluid applied waterproofing, flashing/reinstalling limestone. On the interior, the lower level should see framing and wall installation while the upper level should see electrical, plumbing, and mechanical rough-in; painting of the waffle ceiling, installation of decking and structural steel, and framing. Below is an assortment of photos taken by JP Gugoen on January 14, 2026.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Cheers for Peers

Library Human Resources is happy to announce this month’s Cheers for Peers submissions. The following Library employees have been cheered by their peers:

• Dulcie Vermillion
• Skye Arseneau
• Kestrel Ikar

To view the detailed Cheers for Peers submissions please view the Growing People blog.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Recognizing Excellence

• Sotomayor Publishes New Book About Family and Power in Early Spanish Puerto Rico

Please share your award, recognition, or grant! To initiate a request for publicity, employees (or their supervisors) should submit the Recognizing Excellence Submission Form.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Meeting Minutes (SAT, CDC, CAPT)

Please see the following URLs for the most recent meeting minutes of these groups:

• Senior Administration Team (SAT): library.illinois.edu/committees/committees/senior-administration-team
• Collection Development Committee (CDC): library.illinois.edu/staff/committee/collection-development-committee/
• Content Access Policy & Technology (CAPT) (including workgroup reports): library.illinois.edu/staff/committee/content-access-policy-technology-capt/

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FACILITIES NEWS: Facilities Update

Tim Newman, Assistant Dean of Libraries for Facilities

For a complete list of projects in planning and construction, please visit wordpress.library.illinois.edu/staff/facilities.

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BUSINESS NEWS: Preparing for Travel

Kim Johnson, Associate Director of Fiscal Operations

Review this list to help you prepare before your trip even begins. Gathering documents as you go makes the reimbursement process much easier. (Please note: post-travel, the reimbursement process generally takes 4-5 weeks).

Documentation

• All appropriate receipts and invoices should be scanned and ready to upload to the Purchasing App.
  • Receipts need to show date and total paid, hotel receipts need to be itemized.
  • Please name your files, e.g. Airline-CMI to Paris- $572.63, Uber-Hotel to Amtrak-$17.22.
  • Chrome River accepts these file types: JPEG, PDF, PNG, OFD, and TIFF.
  • It may be helpful to create a folder on your desktop to collect all relevant information and/or create a .zip file for easy uploading.
• Other documentation that may be appropriate to include:
  • Completed Per Diem Request Form.
  • PDF of conference website showing dates & location.
  • PDF proof of conference hotel from conference website.
  • PDF of the Business Office travel funding approval email.
  • Flight Comparison – If you traveled earlier or stayed later than the business you were conducting, please provide a screen shot showing flight dates/prices if you had only traveled to the conference. Note: You will be reimbursed for the lesser amount.
• If requesting Mileage, include:
  • Starting Location, (home address or your University Library address – whichever is closest to the destination).
  • Destination, (hotel/conference/donor address).
  • If you are driving instead of flying, you need to explain why and provide a flight price comparison. You will be reimbursed for the lesser amount.
• Business Purpose Statement!
  • Name, date and location of conference/event.
  • Benefits to the University. (See the Knowledge Base for tips).
    • Speak to how your travel furthers the University’s mission and fulfills the duties of your job.
    • Use the information you entered in the Business Office’s Professional Development Funding and Travel Form to help you craft your statement.
    • Note: When an expense report is rejected, a large portion of the time it is because the purpose statement is not strong.

Please add the Business Office Staff as delegates for you in Chrome River. We ask that you submit your receipts within 5 days of travel. Our goal is to process your request within 3 business days. This benefits you as items submitted for reimbursement after 60 days are sometimes considered taxable. (See the University’s policy.)

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BUSINESS NEWS: Grants

Kim Johnson, Associate Director of Fiscal Operations

Please visit our webpage: Grant Development and Submission Procedures located on the Library Business Office page. The direct link is: wordpress.library.illinois.edu/staff/bhrsc-business-services/grant-development-and-submission-procedures

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HR NEWS: Filled Positions

• Rachel Scott – Head – Acquisitions & Cataloging Services Librarian – ACS – Started Jan 12, 2026
• Eva Gellman – UX and Content Specialist – Main Library Admin – Starting February 2, 2026

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HR NEWS: Departures

• Lucy Moynihan – LOA – FUNK Aces – Retiring, last day February 28, 2026

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HR NEWS: Civil Service Vacancies

• Library Specialist for Monographic & Media Acquisitions – Acquisitions & Cataloging Services – Pending Offer

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HR NEWS:  Academic Professional and Faculty Open Postings

• Bioengineering Librarian – Grainger Library – Pending Reference Checks
• Visiting Open Educational Resources Librarian – SCP – Interviewing Soon
• Humanities Librarian (African American Studies and English Literature) – HPNL – Pending Phone Screens
• Visiting Music & Performing Arts Special Collections Librarian – MPAL – Pending Phone Screens

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HR NEWS: In Memoriam

• Jane Williams

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Staff Events Calendar

To see the most up-to-date staff events calendar, please visit libcal.library.illinois.edu/calendar/staff.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: The Lifecycle of Writing Subjects : On Generative AI and the Future of Writing

February 4 at 4:00–5:30 p.m.
Registration

In this lecture, Goodlad introduces generative AI and the rise of chatbots in light of their concentrated political economy, long history of anthropomorphized machine “intelligence,” and ongoing impact on the future of writing and human poiesis. Ideal for interdisciplinary audiences and open-ended conversation, Goodlad’s approach is both technically specific and legible. She concludes with a case for the widespread dissemination of critical AI literacies and the need to put “humanities in the loop.”

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Library Friends Webinar – Visual Storytelling and the Archives: Translating Scientific Research for Public Audiences

February 12 at 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Registration

Join us for our first Library Friends Webinar of the year where we learn how advanced typography students in the Graphic Design program found unexpected inspiration during a visit to the University Archives. Students examined how scientific records are documented, preserved, and communicated over time. Tasked with translating complex research for public audiences — and drawing from archival materials, such as letters from alumnus John C. Houbolt who served as Chief Aeronautical Scientist at NASA — the visit shaped how students transformed dense, abstract information into engaging typographic systems, visual explanations, and narrative-driven design artifacts. The visit also underscored the interdisciplinary value of archives and how their materiality — along with the information archives contain — can illuminate the development and exchange of scientific knowledge.

This presentation will share examples of student work and walk through how the projects took shape, highlighting how archival collections support research-driven design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and data storytelling. Attendees will see how archival resources, when brought into the design studio, can help students humanize complex ideas and communicate research beyond academic boundaries.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Player Piano Demonstration

February 13 at 4:00–5:00 p.m.
More information

Enjoy a free concert featuring the Music & Performing Arts Library’s Steinway Duo-Art Reproducing Piano! See the piano in action and learn more about the instrument and roll collection. This is an informal event and all are welcome!

This event will take place in the Music & Performing Arts Library’s player piano room, which is located on the second floor of the library. MPAL is located in the Music Building (1114 W Nevada St., Urbana). See our website for accessibility information and how to get to MPAL.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: LCP Forum

February 17 at 1:00–3:00 p.m.

The Library Committee of Academic and Civil Service Professionals is pleased to announce that it will be holding its annual LCP Forum on February 17 from 1-3pm. This will be a hybrid event. Please watch out for another email in the coming weeks with registration information, including information for snacks for remote attendees.

Dean Claire Stewart will be joining us for a portion of the program. There will be a question session with Dean Stewart after her talk, but if you have any questions in advance that you would like to submit, please email an LCP member or submit your question via our contact form: surveys.illinois.edu/sec/1087207313. The form can also be found on the LCP webpage.

The forum will feature a lightning talk panel on AP/CSP projects, research, and work. If you would like to give a 5-minute talk on a project, research, or work that you or your unit have been doing, please email me. Talks can be presented in-person or online. There are limited slots, and we will need your PowerPoint slides in advance of the meeting.

Please contact Cara Bertram with any questions.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Purchasing App Training

February 17 at 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Registration

The Business Office is offering Purchasing App training online and in the Main Library, Room 314.  The February training will take place online. We’ll walk through the process together, provide links to resources, and answer your questions.

Registration is required. Additional dates:

• Thursday, March 19 at 2:00–3:00 p.m. in the Main Library, Room 314

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Creating Focus – Professional Development Series

February 18 at 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Registration

We will explore recent research findings by Dr. Gloria Mark about how an increasingly virtual world can affect attention span, as well as tools and techniques for restoring balance and helping us focus and manage our time better.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Coffee for 5 with Claire

February 25 at 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Registration

Let’s have a chat! This monthly gathering is designed for casual, small-group conversations. These will be held virtual on Zoom. Calendar invitation will follow.

Next date: Wednesday, March 25 at 4:00–5:00 p.m.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Outreach and Engagement Retreat

February 26 at 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Registration

The Outreach and Engagement Committee invites you to connect with your colleagues across the library to learn more about their current & future projects, outreach strategies, and how you could collaborate together! The first hours will be lighting talks to showcase the outreach and engagement work being done across the library & community, and then a informal reception with light refreshments.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: The Evolution of the Greek Book: From Byzantine Manuscripts to Renaissance Incunabula

February 26 at 3:00–5:00 p.m.
More information

Dr. Elias Petrou will explore the evolution and transmission of the Greek book from East to West, beginning with an overview of the Byzantine educational system, the preservation and transmission of classical Greek knowledge through manuscripts, and how this inherited book culture was transformed through the new technology of print. 

This talk is free and open to all audiences. Refreshments will be served.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Film Screening & Discussion: The Edge of Each Other’s Battles

February 26 at 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Registration

Join us for a film screening of The Edge of Each Other’s Battles (2002), a 59-minute documentary honoring Audre Lorde, followed by a facilitated discussion. Food and drink will be provided. Register to help us plan! go.library.illinois.edu/Lorde. This event is part of the BNAACC and Chill Film Series. Discover more events: bnaacc.illinois.edu/events/black-history-month. Learn more about Black History Month events and exhibits at the University Library! go.library.illinois.edu/BHM

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Cheers for Peers

Library Human Resources is happy to announce this month’s Cheers for Peers submissions. The following Library employees have been cheered by their peers:

• Melanie Kuehn
• Jafar Muhammad
• Chad Lewis
• Jennifer Gavel
• Skye Arseneau
• Paul Gowens
• Kestrel Ikar
• John Laskowski
• Kristen Zidon
• Hannah Williams
• Molly Banwart
• Cait Coker

To view the detailed Cheers for Peers submissions please view the Growing People blog.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Recognizing Excellence

Please share your award, recognition, or grant! To initiate a request for publicity, employees (or their supervisors) should submit the Recognizing Excellence Submission Form.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Meeting Minutes (SAT, CDC, CAPT)

Please see the following URLs for the most recent meeting minutes of these groups:

• Senior Administration Team (SAT): library.illinois.edu/committees/committees/senior-administration-team
• Collection Development Committee (CDC): library.illinois.edu/staff/committee/collection-development-committee/
• Content Access Policy & Technology (CAPT) (including workgroup reports): library.illinois.edu/staff/committee/content-access-policy-technology-capt/

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FACILITIES NEWS: Facilities Update

Tim Newman, Assistant Dean of Libraries for Facilities

For a complete list of projects in planning and construction, please visit wordpress.library.illinois.edu/staff/facilities.

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BUSINESS NEWS: Purchasing Food for Business & Events

Kim Johnson, Associate Director of Fiscal Operations

When purchasing food for university business, what you buy determines if the food is considered a Catering, Business Meal, or a Food Supply.* The allowable maximum expenditure for business meals, receptions, and refreshments is $75 per person per meal.

*The University is tax exempt and therefore will not reimburse tax on food purchases. When making purchases on behalf of the U of I System, please present suppliers with the U of I System’s sales State of IL Sales Tax Exempt Letter to avoid paying sales tax on purchases.

Requesting Food/Refreshments for Approved University Library Events: To request the Library Business Office purchase food and/or refreshments for an approved event, please submit the request through the Purchasing App following the procedures below:

• Receiving written approval from fund manager, place order with the vendor
• Place the order with the vendor
• Submit request through the Purchasing App
• In Vendor Information Section, check the “User Entered Vendor” and include vendor contact name in the address line. Add email address and phone number in designated fields
• In the Items Section
  • Quantity is 1
  • Units: Each
  • Price: total price of order
  • Catalog/Part #: what was ordered
  • Description: “Order has been placed, needs Business Office payment”
• Delivery Information: Choose Other and enter who will it pick up the order or if it will be delivered
  • Make sure when the order is received that the receipt is obtained and brought to the Business Office for reconciliation
• Section 6 Review & Submit, please include a Business Purpose in the Business Purpose.
  • If this option is not available, please go back to the Delivery Section and include the Business Purpose in the Comments/Special Instructions
• The Library Business Office will then pay for the order up to 2 weeks in advance of the event.
• Once you pick up or receive delivery of the order, make sure you obtain the receipt and bring it to the Business Office for reconciliation

Food Supplies: Food Supplies are a common purchase for many units, but differ from a Business Meal. For example, an employee purchased pre-packaged food items (such as bagels, coffee, ground beef, buns, cookies, and bottled water) to bring to a business meeting or university event. These items are considered consumable food supplies. Remember, sales tax is not reimbursable.

Ways to Purchase:

• University P-card with Supporting Documentation (NOT T-Card)
  • Note to P-card holders: Food Supplies should be purchased with a PCard using account code 124300.
• Submit reimbursement request through the Purchasing and Reimbursement App with Supporting Documentation
• Supporting Documentation needed for each transaction:
  • The business purpose of the meeting/activity (how it benefited the System) as required by the Internal Revenue Service.
  • Itemized receipt or invoice detailing all food and beverage purchases.
  • The number of attendees.
  • Affiliation of attendees. Do not list by name, but indicate whether they were employees or non-employees.
  • Whether alcohol was served.

Business Meals: Business Meals are another common purchase for many units, but differ from consumable food supplies. For example, if you are paying a restaurant to prepare a platter of sandwiches or boxed lunches for a business meeting or university event, this would be considered a business meal.

Ways to Purchase:

• University T-card with Supporting Documentation (NOT P-Card)
• Submit reimbursement request through the Purchasing and Reimbursement App with Supporting Documentation
• Supporting Documentation needed for each transaction:
  • The business purpose of the meeting/activity (how it benefited the System) as required by the Internal Revenue Service.
  • Itemized receipt or invoice detailing all food and beverage purchases. Tips up to 20% will be reimbursed.
  • Include both the meal and alcohol on 1 (one) receipt.
  • The number of attendees.
  • Affiliation of attendees. Do not list by name, but indicate whether they were employees or non-employees.
  • Whether alcohol was served.

Catering: A catered event typically involves one or all of the following:

• a signed contract
• a deposit
• a provided service

If you need catering, please contact the Library Business Office at BHRSC@library.illinois.edu

The preferred caterer for University Events is University Catering

University Policies: 8.1.1 Business Meals, Refreshments, and Alcohol

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HR NEWS: Departures

• Vicki Sparks – Administrative Aid – Advancement – Retiring, last day December 31, 2025

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HR NEWS: Civil Service Vacancies

• UX and Content Specialist – Main Library Admin – Pending Reference Checks
• Library Specialist for Monographic & Media Acquisitions – Acquisitions & Cataloging Services – Interviewing

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HR NEWS:  Academic Professional and Faculty Open Postings

• Bioengineering Librarian – Grainger Library – Interviewing Soon
• Humanities Librarian (African American Studies and English Literature) – HPNL – Interviewing Soon
• Visiting Open Educational Resources Librarian – SCP – Interviewing Soon
• Visiting Music & Performing Arts Special Collections Librarian – MPAL – Interviewing Soon

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HR NEWS: In Memoriam

• Gene Rinkel

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Staff Events Calendar

To see the most up-to-date staff events calendar, please visit uiuc.libcal.com/calendar/staff.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Project Management Fundamentals

January 8 at 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Registration

Project Management Fundamentals is a hands-on, interactive workshop designed for Library employees who are currently managing projects or preparing to do so in the near future.

This small-group, full-day session will be facilitated by Jake MacGregor, Organization Development & Training Coordinator, and is geared toward those looking to strengthen basic project management skills. This session provides ample time for discussion, questions, and practice.

Participants will:

• Learn key project management terminology, concepts, and best practices
• Explore how to use Excel for simple project tracking and organization
• Apply new skills by working through a simulated, Library-focused project in small teams

Lunch will be provided. Please obtain your supervisor’s approval before registering. Seats are limited — please register only if you can fully commit to attending, so all interested employees have the opportunity to participate.

Questions can be directed to Jake MacGregor (jdmac@illinois.edu).

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Annual Library Recognition Event and Planning Workshop

January 13 at 9:00–11:30 a.m.
Register to attend online

This hybrid event will be held Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the I-Hotel Conference Center in the Chancellor Ballroom. The Recognition Event will be from 9:00–10:00 a.m., followed by a Planning Workshop from 10:00–11:30 am. Join us for a breakfast buffet at 8:00 a.m. and stay for a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. The deadline to RSVP for the in-person event has passed, but you can still register to attend virtually.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Receiving Feedback – Professional Development Series

January 15 at 1:30–3:00 p.m.
Registration

We will explore key lessons and practices from Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen (authors of Thanks for the Feedback) on how to effectively receive feedback, which can ultimately lead to stronger relationships, trust, and collaboration.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Purchasing App Training

January 15 at 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Registration

The Business Office is offering Purchasing App training on Teams and in the Main Library, Room 314.  We’ll walk through the process together, provide links to resources, and answer your questions.

Registration is required. Additional dates:

• Tuesday, February 17 at 2:00–3:00 p.m. via Teams
• Thursday, March 19 at 2:00–3:00 p.m. in the Main Library, Room 314

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Campus Libraries Closed (12/24–1/4)

The University Library is closed from December 24 through January 4, reopening for services on Monday, January 5.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Cheers for Peers

Library Human Resources is happy to announce this month’s Cheers for Peers submissions. The following Library employees have been cheered by their peers:

• Skylar Lucci
• Ben Riegler
• Jake MacGregor
• Zoe Revell

To view the detailed Cheers for Peers submissions please view the Growing People blog.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Recognizing Excellence

• Sara Benson Awarded Fulbright Specialist Grant
• Summer 2025 Presentations by Library Faculty and Academic Professionals
• Summer 2025 Publications by Library Faculty and Academic Professionals
• Summer 2025 Professional Service by Library Faculty and Academic Professionals

Please share your award, recognition, or grant! To initiate a request for publicity, employees (or their supervisors) should submit the Recognizing Excellence Submission Form.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Meeting Minutes (SAT, CDC, CAPT)

Please see the following URLs for the most recent meeting minutes of these groups:

• Senior Administration Team (SAT): library.illinois.edu/committees/committees/senior-administration-team
• Collection Development Committee (CDC): library.illinois.edu/staff/committee/collection-development-committee/
• Content Access Policy & Technology (CAPT) (including workgroup reports): library.illinois.edu/staff/committee/content-access-policy-technology-capt/

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: November 2025 Update from the Library Accessibility Steering Committee

The Library Accessibility Steering Committee was created to address accessibility improvements throughout the Library’s digital presence. This Committee seeks to guide efforts toward identifying needs, setting priorities, and making decisions regarding this accessibility effort. Read the November 2025 update.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: IOPN: New Publications

Angela Waters, Digital Publishing Specialist

IOPN is excited to announce two new publications. In one of these, Daniel G. Tracy provides the first critical edition of Anita Loos’s iconic novel Gentlemen Prefer Blondes about a globetrotting flapper, her best friend, and her many suitors that inspired later stage and film adaptations. Published one hundred years after its initial publication under the Windsor & Downs imprint, this critical edition includes the text of the novel with a restoration of higher quality reproductions of Ralph Barton’s magazine illustrations (and one never published in the book format) alongside explanations of historical references. In addition, Tracy provides historical and biographical essays that fill out the context of the novel’s production. (Read more about this title on the IOPN news blog.)

Our other title, published under the Publishing Without Walls imprint, is DH+BH: An Interdisciplinary Collection on Digital Humanities and Book History. Edited Spencer D.C. Keralis and Cait Coker, contributors from an international community of scholars explore the limitations of digital collections, the potential of digital methodologies to enrich bibliographic research, and the pleasures and challenges of interdisciplinary approaches to book history scholarship. This collection extends an invitation to readers to reflect on power, privilege, and potential in the wider fields of digital humanities and history of the book. (Read more about this title on the IOPN news blog.)

The following IOPN supported journals have also published new issues recently:

• The Journal of Anime and Manga Studies
• ALISE Conference Proceedings
• The Journal of Library Outreach and Engagement

Stay tuned for other publications coming soon! 

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FACILITIES NEWS: Facilities Update

Tim Newman, Assistant Dean of Libraries for Facilities

For a complete list of projects in planning and construction, please visit wordpress.library.illinois.edu/staff/facilities.

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BUSINESS NEWS: Paying Participants in a Research Study

Kim Johnson, Associate Director of Fiscal Operations

If you will be paying individuals to participate in a research study, first a determination needs to be made to find out if the study is a human subject study or a program improvement study.

• A human subject study is when a living individual about whom an investigator conducting research obtains data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or identifiable private information.
• A program improvement study (or program evaluation) is a systematic method for collecting, analyzing, and using information to answer questions about projects, policies, and programs, particularly about their effectiveness and efficiency

The main difference between the two types of study is that a human subject study requires review from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Institutional Review Board (IRB). If you need help with whether you project meets the definition of Human Subject Research or a Clinical Investigation, please contact the Office for Protection of Research Subjects (OPRS).

• To request an IRB, please use the IRBOnline system. The approval of the application will be needed by the Library Business Office for any payments to human subjects.
• Once a determination has been made on if you need an IRB, the next step would be to determine if a cash payment or a gift card will be given to the participants.

For each of the following payment methods, the Business Office will need documentation with the following information:

• IRB Number (if applicable)
• Amount paid to each recipient
• Name or Recipient Identifier
• UIN (if applicable)
• Email address
• Date received by recipient
• Signature of recipient

*Before requesting a Program Advance, please make sure you have access to Chrome River and have setup the Business Office staff as delegates.

Cash Payment (No Program Advance)

• Cash payments can be made without a cash advance through the Business Office. Please provide documentation with the information above and the Business Office will process the payment to the individuals as per university policies.

Cash Payments with Program Advance

• Please request a Program Advance. Once the Program Advance is received by the Business Office, it will be processed. The funds will be deposited into the requestor’s bank account.
• To distribute the payments, the Requestor will need to document each payment given out with the documentation listed above (***see below for international payments). Any unused advance money will need to be returned to the University in the form of a check made payable to “University of Illinois” and give the check (if applicable) and the documentation to the Business Office to close out the Program Advance.

***International individuals are not allowed to receive cash payments and must be processed through the Library Business Office. Please provide documentation with the information above and the Business Office will process the payment to the individuals as per university policies and IRS regulations.

Gift Card payments with Program Advance (ONLY)

• Please request a Program Advance. Once the Program Advance is received by the Business Office, it will be processed. The funds will be deposited into the requestor’s bank account.
• To distribute the payments, the Requestor will need to document each payment given out with the documentation listed above (***see below for international payments). Any unused advance money will need to be returned to the University in the form of a check made payable to “University of Illinois” and give the check (if applicable) and the documentation to the Business Office to close out the Program Advance.

***International individuals are not allowed to receive gift cards and must be processed through the Library Business Office. Please provide documentation with the information above and the Business Office will process the payment to the individuals as per university policies and IRS regulations.

Amazon eCodes

Another way to request payments is by requesting Amazon eCodes. Using this method, funds will be deducted from your designated C-FOP as codes are issued (***see below for international payments). To get started:

1. Complete the Amazon eCode Setup form.
2. In the form under the Business Manager and CFOAP approver’s name, enter Kimberly Johnson
3. Email for Business Manager and CFOAP approver, bhrsc@library.illinois.edu
4. When you receive email “Amazon eCode Setup Form,” please email that to bhrsc@library.illinois.edu for the Business Office to retain record of the request
5. Instructions will be sent to the principal investigator or designee on how to issue eCodes.

If you have any questions completing the form, please contact the Library Business Office at bhrsc@library.illinois.edu.

***International individuals are not allowed to receive gift cards and must be processed through the Library Business Office. Please provide documentation with the information above and the Business Office will process the payment to the individuals as per university policies and IRS regulations.

Located: library.illinois.edu/staff/bhrsc-business-services/paying-participants-in-a-research-study/

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BUSINESS NEWS: Grants

Kim Johnson, Associate Director of Fiscal Operations

Please visit our new webpage: Grant Development and Submission Procedures located on the Library Business Office page. The direct link is: library.illinois.edu/staff/bhrsc-business-services/grant-development-and-submission-procedures

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HR NEWS: Civil Service Vacancies

• UX and Content Specialist – Main Library Admin – Interviewing
• Library Specialist for Monographic & Media Acquisitions – Acquisitions & Cataloging Services – Interviewing Soon

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HR NEWS:  Academic Professional and Faculty Open Postings

• Bioengineering Librarian – Grainger Library – Interviewing Soon
• Humanities Librarian (African American Studies and English Literature) – HPNL – Closed 11/30
• Visiting Open Educational Resources Librarian – SCP – Closing 12/05
• Visiting Music & Performing Arts Special Collections Librarian – MPAL – Closing 12/12

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Staff Events Calendar

To see the most up-to-date staff events calendar, please visit uiuc.libcal.com/calendar/staff.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Ultimate Archives Trivia

December 10 at 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Registration

What year was the University of Illinois founded? Who created the Alma Mater statue? Who was the 5th president of the University? If you like trivia or university history, join us for our second Ultimate Archives Trivia! Questions will focus on University of Illinois history involving academics, athletics, inventions, events, faculty, and alumni.

• Round 1: Multiple choice
• Round 2: Q & A
• Round 3: Name that image

Prizes for 1st and 2nd place. Individuals or teams of up to 4 people are invited! Registration required for each attendee. Light snacks provided.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Animal Ambassadors Visit Grainger Library

December 10 at 3:00–4:00 p.m.
More information

The Wildlife Medical Clinic Animal Ambassadors are visiting Grainger Engineering Library on Wednesday, December 10 in Room 335. Come by and learn more about these animals and the program. Please no flash photography and be mindful of our limited space.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: 2025 De-Stress Fest

December 11
More information

On Reading Day, take a study break to relax and refresh at the library’s end-of-semester tradition, De-Stress Fest! From animals, crafts, VR, snacks, academic support, and more, there is something for everyone! Participating locations include Main Library, Funk Library, Grainger Engineering Library, and the Music and Performing Arts Library (MPAL). We’ll have more information about each location’s unique schedule of events closer to the date. We hope to see you there!

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Women in Science Lecture: Dr. Pinshane Huang

December 11 at 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Registration

Dr. Pinshane Huang, Professor and Racheff Faculty Scholar of Materials Science and Engineering, will discuss her research on transmission electron microscopy and spectroscopy of two-dimensional materials and soft-hard interfaces.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Preserving and Providing Access to Historical Newspapers in Illinois Library Collections

December 11 at 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Registration

Learn about preserving, digitizing, and providing access to historical newspapers in your library collections! Staff of the Illinois Newspaper Project will discuss preservation and digitization best practices, how to undergo a newspaper digitization project, and what to do with newspapers once they’ve been digitized. INP staff will also highlight the Illinois Digital Newspaper Collections as a statewide repository for digitized Illinois historical newspapers and will discuss opportunities for collaboration.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Discovery Virtual Open House

December 11 at 3:00–4:00 p.m.
More information

Join the CAPT Search, Discovery, and Delivery Working Group for a virtual open house to discuss discovery services in the Library. Members of the Working Group will be present to share information about discovery-related activities, provide updates on future developments, and answer questions. Can’t make it? Don’t worry! This event will be recorded.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Reading Day Relaxation in the RBML

December 11 at 3:00–5:00 p.m.
More information

Come and celebrate the semester’s end with hot apple cider, sweet and salty treats, and relaxing RBML-themed activities. Make a button, fill in a coloring sheet, collaborate on a big puzzle, and snag a fresh print of our annual holiday linocut card! This event is part of the library’s Reading Day De-Stress Fest; it is open to the public and refreshments will be served.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Purchasing App Training

December 16 at 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Registration

The Business Office is offering Purchasing App training on Teams and in the Main Library, Room 314.  We’ll walk through the process together, provide links to resources, and answer your questions.

Registration is required. Additional dates:

• Thursday, January 15 at 2:00–3:00 p.m. in the Main Library, Room 314
• Tuesday, February 17 at 2:00–3:00 p.m. via Teams
• Thursday, March 19 at 2:00–3:00 p.m. in the Main Library, Room 314

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Save the Date: Annual Library Recognition Event and Planning Workshop

This hybrid event will be held Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the I-Hotel Conference Center in the Chancellor Ballroom. The Recognition Event will be from 9:00–10:00 a.m., followed by a Planning Workshop from 10:00–11:30 am. Join us for a breakfast buffet at 8:00 a.m. and stay for a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. RSVP is required!

• Those planning to attend at the I-Hotel, please register in-person by Friday, December 12 at 4:00 p.m. (important for headcount)
• Those planning to attend via Zoom, please register online by Friday, December 12 at 4:00 p.m. to receive the link

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Library Building Project Update – 11/1/2025

Tom Teper, Associate Dean and Associate University Librarian for Collections and Technical Services

General Update

Construction continues apace, with our most recent site observation from the architect estimating that the project is over 21% completed. As of Oct. 30^th, the following work was in progress: continued development of upper concrete walls at loading dock, plaster removal on lower level and preparation of walls for crystalline waterproofing, installation of walls for first vault on the lower level, continued excavation of the elevator shaft, installation of metal stud framing on the upper level, and CMU infills on the upper level and west walls.

Mechanical demolition is largely complete, exterior waterproofing installation nearing complete on west and north walls and north half of east walls, some excavation complete on south wall and south portion of east wall, corner concrete stairs (SW and NW) have been removed, concrete stem wall around courtyard are complete with installation of the air barrier underway, concrete wall extensions installed at areaways largely complete, application of crystalline waterproofing on upper level complete.

Below is an assortment of photos taken by JP Gugoen on October 22, 2025.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Cheers for Peers

Library Human Resources is happy to announce this month’s Cheers for Peers submissions. The following Library employees have been cheered by their peers:

• Kristen Blankenship
• Quinita Balderson
• Kestrel Ikar
• Brian Lindstrand
• Maddy Hardy
• JP Goguen
• Cristina Kuhn
• Kristen Zidon

To view the detailed Cheers for Peers submissions please view the Growing People blog.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Events Working Group Listening Sessions

Heather Murphy, Chief Communications Officer

Back on July 31, we shared a new process for sharing and submitting Library events in an email titled “FY26 Annual Overview: Event Planning for Library Units & Divisions.”

Since that message went out, we’ve heard some great questions and thoughtful feedback. We want to make sure the process feels clear and workable for everyone—and we know it’ll take a little time (and some trial and error) to get there. This is very much a work in progress, and your input will help shape how it continues to evolve. Sara Berthier and I, on behalf of the Events Working Group, thank you for your patience as we sort through the details together.

Want to learn more or share your thoughts? Join us for one of two open listening sessions next week:

• Teams session: Thursday, November 6, at 3 p.m. (see email from 10/31 for details)
• In-person session: Friday, November 7, at 11 a.m. in 428 Main Library

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Recognizing Excellence

Please share your award, recognition, or grant! To initiate a request for publicity, employees (or their supervisors) should submit the Recognizing Excellence Submission Form.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Senior Administrative Team Meeting Minutes

The most recent meeting minutes of the Senior Administration Team are posted at:
library.illinois.edu/committees/committees/senior-administration-team

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Collection Development Committee Notes

The most recent meeting minutes of the CDC are posted at:
library.illinois.edu/staff/committee/collection-development-committee/

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Content Access Policy & Technology Meeting Minutes

The meeting minutes of CAPT (including workgroup reports) are posted at:
library.illinois.edu/staff/committee/content-access-policy-technology-capt/

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FACILITIES NEWS: Facilities Update

Tim Newman, Assistant Dean of Libraries for Facilities

For a complete list of projects in planning and construction, please visit wordpress.library.illinois.edu/staff/facilities.

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BUSINESS NEWS: Why do I need to have a detailed Business Purpose for my reimbursement?

Kim Johnson, Associate Director of Fiscal Operations

Reason for Business Purpose

All expense reports in Emburse Enterprises require a concise but detailed business purpose. A business purpose is defined as one that supports or advances the university’s goals, objectives, and mission and adequately describes the expense as necessary, reasonable, and appropriate for the university. 

Can an external audience who knows nothing about you, your department, or the trip understand why the expense was warranted? Units must ensure that expense reports and supporting documentation include complete and transparent information that can be understood by both internal and external reviewers (managers, auditors, IRS, FOIA, etc.). 

In accordance with IRS rules on Accountable Plans, expenses incurred by system employees must serve a business purpose. This means all expenses must provide a benefit to the institution, not a personal benefit to the employee. 

The University of Illinois System’s financial transaction documentation must consistently meet and comply with legal, governmental, and auditing requirements. Providing thorough, complete transaction justifications and supporting documentation protects and benefits the system in the following ways:

• Minimizes the risk of penalties and fines due to unsubstantiated business expenses.
• Ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Establishes adequate and consistent documentation standards for all financial transactions.
• Provides an independent and efficient source for obtaining transactional information.
• Complies with tax regulations that specify requirements for nontaxable reimbursements under an accountable plan versus reimbursements taxable to employees. 
• Minimizes reputational risks and adverse public perception.

A detailed, relevant business purpose will help reimbursements be processed more efficiently, with less chance of the expense report being rejected. 

Elements of an Appropriate Business Purpose

When requesting a payment, reimbursement, or justifying an expense, the business purpose should clearly describe the reason for the expenditure. Providing the 5 “W’s” (Who, What, Where, When, and Why) in the business purpose field will comprise an appropriate response for each expense line in Emburse Enterprises. 

As described in the table below, much of the information needed for each expense is covered by the information entered on the report header and/or individual expense lines.

Constructing a Business Purpose

1. Describe the purpose of the expense.
2. State the facts by using action verbs that describe the activity.
3. Clearly state how the expense benefits the university.
4. Describe any unique or unplanned circumstances related to the expense that requires further explanation. 

Merely re-stating WHAT is being purchased, instead of describing WHY the payment is being requested and HOW it benefits the university, is inadequate.

Most transactions fall under one of five common themes:

• Presenting Knowledge
• Professional Development
• Recruitment
• Networking
• Donor Solicitation

University Payables does NOT need to see

• Repeated information that is already included in the transaction or attached supporting documentation.
• History of the university or unit
• A copy and paste narrative added to every expense report from your unit
• The description of the event provided by the event organizers

*Can I tip? Yes, any meals (business or catered) can pay up to a 20% tip. Please check receipt for any service charge or gratuity before leaving a tip.

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HR NEWS: Filled Positions

• Falkor Conroy – Senior Audio, Video, and Emerging Technology Specialist – Library IT – Started October 13
• Claire Hutchinson – Library Specialist – Communications Library – Starting November 3
• Laura Poulosky – Senior Library Specialist – IAS & HPNL – Starting December 1

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HR NEWS: Civil Service Vacancies

• UX and Content Specialist – Main Library Admin – Closed October 24
• Library Specialist for Monographic & Media Acquisitions – Acquisitions & Cataloging Services – Closes November 7

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HR NEWS: Academic Professional and Faculty Open Postings

• Head – Acquisitions & Cataloging Services Librarian – Acquisitions and Cataloging Services – Pending BOT Approval
• Bioengineering Librarian – Grainger Library – Closes October 31
• Visiting Music & Performing Arts Special Collections Librarian – MPAL – Posting Soon
• Humanities Librarian (African American Studies and English Literature) – HPNL – Posting Soon

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: CARLI: Education Justice Project’s Reentry Guides

Monday, November 3 at 1:00–2:00 p.m.
More information

The Reentry Resource Program at the Education Justice Project (EJP) publishes practical guides for people returning home from prison and for those being deported from the US. These roughly 200-page guides, published in English and Spanish, offer empowering information and resources for individuals going through often-traumatic transitions. Lee Ragsdale will discuss the resources, how to access them, anticipated updates, and more. In addition, Lee will talk about EJP’s Reentry Guide Project through which the organization provides a year of technical and financial assistance to organizations to create their own reentry guides.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Hub Trainings

Chat Transcript Review | November 3 at 2:00–3:00 p.m. | Funk ACES Library 509
Chat Transcript Review | November 7 at 3:00–4:00 p.m. | Online
Reference in Special Collections | November 10 at 2:00–3:00 p.m. | Main Library 106
Reference in Special Collections | November 14 at 3:00–4:00 p.m. | Online

For all 1st year GAs & anyone who hasn’t attended these training before or who wants a refresher (Civil Service non-exempt staff should get permission from their supervisor before planning to attend)

Contact the Reference Management Team (rmt@library.illinois.edu) if you have any questions.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: PTAC Dossier Deep Dive Session: Librarianship Statement

November 4 at 10:00–11:00 a.m.
More information

Open to anyone at any stage of the promotion and tenure process as well as unit heads, mentors, etc. Additional members of PTAC will be on sight to answer questions. Ample time will be given for group discussion and questions. Feel free to attend any or all of the sessions and bring your dossiers.

Facilitators: Ellen Swain and Lisa Romero

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: CARLI: Everyday Superheroes: Collaboration, Support, and Purpose in Small to Mid-Size Libraries

November 4 at 2:00–3:00 p.m.
More information

This session will share strategies for building meaningful partnerships with faculty, student-services offices, and administrators to break barriers and strengthen campus connections. Participants will also explore practical approaches to managing burnout and compassion fatigue, practicing self-advocacy, and sustaining a clear sense of purpose in their work.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: CARLI: Collaborating with Stakeholders to Support Underserved Communities with Reparative Collections

November 5 at 10:00–11:00 a.m.
More information

Anne Marie Hamilton-Brehm, Dr. Pamela Smoot, and Juniper Oxford at Southern Illinois University Carbondale discuss how opportunities to develop reparative archival collections emerged and have been pursued in collaboration with underserved Black and LGBTQ+ communities in the southern Illinois region. The panel reflects on expected and unexpected benefits and challenges of coordinating initiatives and building collections with internal and external partners and stakeholders and offers thoughts on best practices based on their experiences.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Gold, Garnets, Silks, and Furs: The Spread of Fashions Among the Elites of Eurasia

November 5 at 12:00–1:00 p.m.
More information

The Costumes & Customs Lecture Series, sponsored by the Office of Arts Integration and organized in collaboration with the University Library, the Department of Theatre, the Department of Classics, the Spurlock Museum, and the Krannert Art Museum, explores the history and cultural significance of clothing across time and place. Organized by Elias Petrou (University Library) and Olga Maslova (Department of Theatre), the series will feature four distinguished speakers: Dr. Bernice Jones – Minoan Era (Wednesday, September 17, 5:00 p.m. CT), Dr. Ulla Mannering – Viking Age (Thursday, October 23, 5:00 p.m. CT), Dr. Susan Whitfield – Middle Ages (Wednesday, November 5, 5:00 p.m. CT), and Dr. Jenny Tiramani – Elizabethan Era (Friday, December 5, 12:00 p.m. CT). All lectures will be held via Zoom and are free and open to the public: https://go.library.illinois.edu/costumes

Susan Whitfield is a scholar, traveler and writer of the Silk Roads. Currently Professor of Silk Road Studies at the Sainsbury Institute of the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures (SISJAC) at the University of East Anglia, where she is leading the Nara to Norwich Project. She previously worked at the British Library curating manuscripts and other artifacts from central Asia and directing the International Dunhuang Project. 

Her many books and articles include The Silk Road: Silk, Slaves and Stupas and an essay on Silk Road dress for the Cambridge Global History of Fashion.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: CARLI: AI and Alt Text for Archival Image Collections

November 6 at 12:00–1:00 p.m.
More information

This presentation will discuss ways in which a closed ChatGPT model can be used to generate alt text in archival image collections, using a human-in-the-loop approach. Theresa Berger will highlight both strengths and weaknesses of the tool, as well as suggestions for overall workflows, showing ways in which AI can be used to shift (not replace) resources in an effort to better serve our users, stakeholders, and our communities.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: CARLI: Motherhood in Academic Libraries: Sharing Lived Experiences from our Feminized Profession

November 6 at 12:00–1:00 p.m.
More information

Join us for an interactive, audience-driven webinar where we will share the experiences of academic librarian-mothers. Discussion may include logistical challenges of parental leave, tenure, scholarly productivity, and other caregiving challenges. Participants will share stories, build solidarity, and connect, with opportunities for individual reflection, group discussion, and anonymous sharing.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: CARLI: More Than a To-Do List: Reimagining and Restructuring Graduate Student Labor in Digital Projects

November 6 at 2:00–3:00 p.m.
More information

This presentation reimagines the role of graduate student labor in complex, library-wide digital scholarship projects by defining a new model of librarian/graduate student partnership. Through work on a community oral history project, presenters offer structures, workflows, and values that lead to successful digital collections and meaningful work for graduate student employees.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: CARLI: Developing an A.I. Chatbot for the Library: The Rebecca Crown Library Experience

November 11 at 1:00–2:00 p.m.
More information

In this webinar, Zach Claybaugh walks through the process of developing an AI chatbot as a tool for library patrons. Zach discusses the origin of the project, cross-departmental collaboration, student involvement, and AI anxiety. By the end of the presentation, participants will have an understanding of some of the challenges of developing an AI chatbot, as well as ways to address concerns of library personnel and students.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: PTAC Dossier Deep Dive Session: Dossier Formatting

November 12 at 2:00–3:00 p.m.
More information

Open to anyone at any stage of the promotion and tenure process as well as unit heads, mentors, etc. Additional members of PTAC will be on sight to answer questions. Ample time will be given for group discussion and questions. Feel free to attend any or all of the sessions and bring your dossiers.

Facilitators: Amy Fry and Chris Prom

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: The Wake of HMS Challenger: How a Legendary Victorian Voyage Tells the Story of Our Oceans’ Decline

November 12 at 3:00–5:00 p.m.
More information

The RBML is thrilled to host Gillen D’Arcy Wood, who will speak about his new book, The Wake of HMS Challenger: How a Legendary Victorian Voyage Tells the Story of Our Oceans’ Decline. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. This event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.

In December 1872, HMS Challenger embarked on the first round-the-world oceanographic expedition. Its goal: to shine a light for the first time on the mysteries of the deep sea. For the next four years, Challenger’s naturalists explored the oceans, encountering never-before-seen marvels of marine life. The expedition’s achievements are the stuff of legend. It identified major ocean currents and defining features of the seafloor, including the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and Mariana Trench. It measured worldwide sea temperatures and chemistry, creating baseline data for all ocean research since. And, most spectacularly of all, it collected nearly five thousand sea creatures and plants new to science.

The Challenger’s scientists had no way of knowing that the incredible undersea aquarium they were documenting was on the verge of catastrophic change. Off Portugal, they encountered a brilliant starfish now threatened with extinction by microplastics; in St. Thomas, teeming coral habitats that today have been decimated by ocean warming; and at remote Ascension Island, the breeding grounds of the now-endangered green turtle. Lyrical and elegiac, The Wake of HMS Challenger offers a stunning before-and-after picture of our global oceans and is an urgent call to preserve what remains of the diverse life and wild beauty of our planet’s final frontier.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Library Friends Webinar – Enduring Narratives: Writers and Preservationists in Collaboration

November 13 at 12:00–1:00 p.m.
More information

A Special Presentation by Josh Harris, Kim Schmidt, and Abigail Bobrow. This session highlights how collaboration between writers, archivists, and preservationists strengthens storytelling and institutional memory.

Josh Harris is head of Media Preservation. Kim Schmidt is the storytelling director in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement. Abigail Bobrow is the associate director of storytelling in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Women in Science Lecture: Vivian Cheng

November 13 at 12:00–1:00 p.m.
More information

School of Integrative Biology graduate student Vivian Cheng will discuss her research using genetics, ancient DNA, and historical archives to understand the effects of climate change and colonialism on narwhals.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: CARLI: Leading Librarians: Fostering Growth and Development

November 13 at 12:00–1:00 p.m.
More information

Excelling as a librarian manager requires you to develop your skills as supervisors, mentors, and coaches. Join us to explore innovative approaches to assessing librarian strengths and identifying areas for growth to better support their development.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: CARLI: Librarianship at a Crossroads: Using AI as a Catalyst for Cross-Campus Collaboration

November 13 at 12:00–1:00 p.m.
More information

This session will introduce the fundamentals of AI and share strategies for using it as an entry point for new collaborations with instructors and departments across campus. Atticus Garrison will show how AI became an entry point for new collaborations with instructors and departments across campus.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: CARLI: Popping Up All Over: An Interdisciplinary Library Outreach Strategy for Unexpected Spaces

November 13 at 2:00–3:00 p.m.
More information

This webinar explores strategies for staging pop-up libraries aligned with the themes of local events. Participants will engage in collaborative knowledge building around leveraging this flexible outreach tactic to fit their own capacity and collection parameters.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Player Piano Demonstration

November 14 at 4:00–5:00 p.m.
More information

Enjoy a free concert featuring the Music & Performing Arts Library’s Steinway Duo-Art Reproducing Piano! See the piano in action and learn more about the instrument and roll collection. This is an informal event and all are welcome!

This event will take place in the Music & Performing Arts Library’s player piano room, located on the second floor of the Music Building (1114 W Nevada St., Urbana). See our website for accessibility information and directions.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Finding the Female Voice in the Ancient World

November 17 at 6:00–8:00 p.m.
More information

In this talk, award-winning classicist and Times bestselling author Dr. Emily Hauser explores methods to uncover the women of the ancient world. Copies of Hauser’s books will be available for purchase and signing. This event is free and open to the public.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: CARLI: Enchanting Escapes: Romantasy Readers’ Advisory for Libraries

November 18 at 1:00–2:15 p.m.
More information

Step into the magical world of Romantasy in this webinar designed for library staff. Explore the recent surge in popularity of this subgenre and discover strategies for recommending titles that blend romance and fantasy.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Purchasing App Training

November 18 at 2:00–3:00 p.m.

The Business Office is offering Purchasing App training to walk through the purchasing and reimbursement process, provide resource links, and answer questions.

Please RSVP to Melanie Kuehn and include any specific issues you would like covered.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: CARLI: AI and Research Tools – Using REACT Framework to Evaluate AI Features in Library Databases

November 20 at 12:00–1:00 p.m.
More information

Artificial intelligence features are increasingly appearing in library databases—sometimes as opt-in options, sometimes by default. This session introduces the REACT Framework and invites discussion on evaluating AI features in library databases.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: University Librarian Note

Check back next month for a note from Dean of Libraries and University Librarian Claire Stewart.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Library Building Project Update – 10/1/2025

Tom Teper, Associate Dean and Associate University Librarian for Collections and Technical Services

Construction continues apace, with our most recent site observation from the architect estimating that the project is 18% completed. As of Sept. 25^th, the following work is in progress: installation of formwork for upper concrete walls at loading dock, installation of concrete stem walls around courtyard, plaster removal on upper level and preparation of walls for crystalling waterproofing, and plumbing installation in upper restrooms.

Overall, Mechanical demolition is complete in lower-level mechanical rooms, concrete walls have been poured up to grade level at loading dock addition with formwork continuing for wall extension, exterior waterproofing installation nearing complete on west and north walls and north half of east walls, some excavation complete on south wall and south portion of east wall, corner concrete stairs (SW and NW) have been removed, concrete stem wall around courtyard approx. 75% complete, reinforcing (dowels) installed along south edge, most top track installed on upper level (large area), concrete wall extensions installed at SW areaway, and CMU installation.

In the next several weeks, most exterior waterproofing will be complete, knee wall extensions and curbs will be largely complete, elevator excavation will be done, upper-level plaster removal, upper-level internal waterproofing, and bathroom rough-in will be complete. By mid-October, upper-level walls will start being installed, mechanical layout, and electrical rough-in will be underway along with lower-level plaster removal and plaza-level limestone re-installation.

Below are an assortment of photos taken by JP Goguen on Sept. 26, 2025.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Cheers for Peers

Library Human Resources is happy to announce this month’s Cheers for Peers submissions. The following Library employees have been cheered by their peers:

• Sarah Williams
• Sarah Wallenfelsz
• Kristen Blankenship
• Angela Watters
• JP Goguen

To view the detailed Cheers for Peers submissions please view the Growing People blog.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Library Digital Exhibits Training

Mary Ton, Digital Humanities Librarian

Scholarly Communication and Publishing is updating our training process for Library Digital Exhibit. The workflow is designed to provide better support for new Omeka S authors and to ensure that all new library digital exhibits meet Title II accessibility criteria.

• To begin the training process, please contact Scholarly Communication and Publishing (scpub@library.illinois.edu). Include the email addresses and preferred names of the person who needs onboarding. For students, please indicate who is their supervisor. 
• SCP will add new authors to a Canvas site with video tutorials on how to add items, metadata, and prose and to a sandbox environment where authors can build a test site.
• Once the training has been completed, SCP will review the test site to make sure that it meets minimum accessibility requirements. Supervisors are also encouraged to review test sites for any unit-specific features like resource templates and metadata conventions.
• SCP will then add new authors to the unit’s production site.

We’re looking forward to seeing new exhibits featuring our collections!

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Recognizing Excellence

• Clara M. Chu Recognized as Notable Member of the ALA International Relations Round Table
• Two University Library Faculty Members Receive Tenure
• Spring 2025 Library Instructors Ranked as Excellent

Please share your award, recognition, or grant! To initiate a request for publicity, employees (or their supervisors) should submit the Recognizing Excellence Submission Form.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Senior Administrative Team Meeting Minutes

The most recent meeting minutes of the Senior Administration Team are posted at:
library.illinois.edu/committees/committees/senior-administration-team

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Collection Development Committee Notes

The most recent meeting minutes of the CDC are posted at:
library.illinois.edu/staff/committee/collection-development-committee/

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Content Access Policy & Technology Meeting Minutes

The meeting minutes of CAPT (including workgroup reports) are posted at:
library.illinois.edu/staff/committee/content-access-policy-technology-capt/

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FACILITIES NEWS: Facilities Update

Tim Newman, Assistant Dean of Libraries for Facilities

For a complete list of projects in planning and construction, please visit wordpress.library.illinois.edu/staff/facilities.

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BUSINESS NEWS: International Travel

Kim Johnson, Associate Director of Fiscal Operations

Anyone traveling internationally MUST enroll in the University International (Health) Insurance Coverage for each trip that is taken for official University business. The insurance premiums are covered by the University and there are no copays or deductibles. If any out of pocket expenses occur, you will be able to be reimbursed upon your return to campus.

Before requesting a meeting with the Business Office to arrange payment for international travel, the employee must first enroll in international travel insurance and provide proof of enrollment to the travel arranger during the travel arranging meeting. Payables now requires that this proof of insurance be uploaded when submitting travel charges through Emburse Enterprises.

Reimbursements for travel expenses will NOT be paid if the traveler did not sign up for the insurance coverage.

To enroll in the required insurance coverage, please go to safetyabroad.illinois.edu. (Note: enrollees will use the “Study Abroad” software)

We have a posted a link on the Business Office webpage (library.illinois.edu/staff/bhrsc-business-services/) for International (Health) Insurance Coverage.

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BUSINESS NEWS: Professional Development Requests

Please allow up to 3 business days to receive a fund verification for Professional Development funds. When the approval is sent, the requestor will be assigned a travel arranger. Please request a meeting with the assigned travel arranger via Outlook Calendar.

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HR NEWS: Civil Service Vacancies

• Senior Audio, Video, and Emerging Technology Specialist – Library IT – Pending Offer
• Senior Library Specialist – IAS & HPNL – Interviewing
• Library Specialist – Communications Library– Pending Reference Checks

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HR NEWS:  Academic Professional and Faculty Open Postings

• Head – Acquisitions & Cataloging Services Librarian – Acquisitions and Cataloging Services – Pending Offer

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Staff Events Calendar

To see the most up-to-date staff events calendar, please visit uiuc.libcal.com/calendar/staff.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: CARLI: Critical Data Storytelling for Libraries

October 1 at 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Registration

How can your library use data stories not just to survive, but to thrive? In this interactive session, Dr. Kate McDowell introduces key ideas from her forthcoming book Critical Data Storytelling for Libraries (ALA Editions, 2025), designed to help all library workers—whether data experts or story experts—craft ethical, evidence-based narratives for advocacy and impact. Participants will learn how to:

• Increase the resilience of libraries through mindful approaches to conflict 
• Reach diverse audiences with stories that inform persuasively
• Leverage classic and emerging narrative structures for true stories that connect emotionally

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: CU Folk & Roots @ MPAL: Eddie Barbash with KASA & Friends

October 2 at 5:00–6:30 p.m.
More information

Join us for an evening of music and insight in collaboration with the CU Folk & Roots Festival! Experience a captivating performance by Eddie Barbash + KASA & Friends, browse a curated display of folk and roots materials from the Music & Performing Arts Library’s collections, and enjoy light refreshments. 

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Small Press Fest!

The Small Press Fest! celebrates small press publications and DIY artists in Champaign-Urbana and nearby areas. It offers a welcoming space for authors and creators to share their work and expertise, while inspiring others to embrace their creativity.

• Oct 5: Zine show and swap at the Literary
• Oct 9: Keynote by Eric Von Haynes, president of the Chicago Printmakers Guild and owner of Flatlands Press
• Oct 10: Workshop led by Eric for students, staff, faculty, and community
• Oct 11: Vendor expo with over 70 vendors
• Through Oct 11: Exhibit at the Art Coop gallery in Lincoln Square Mall. Featured in the exhibit at zines from Uni High and the Library’s social justice zine collection.

Full event details are available on our website.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: PTAC Dossier Deep Dive Session: Research Statement

October 6 at 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Registration

Open to anyone at any stage of the promotion and tenure process as well as unit heads, mentors, etc. Additional members of PTAC will be on site to answer questions. Ample time will be given for group discussion and questions. Feel free to attend any or all of the sessions and bring your dossiers.
Facilitators: Kirstin Johnson and Dan Tracy

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: EVENTS AND TRAINING: Ultimate Archives Trivia

October 8 at 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Registration

• Round 1: Multiple choice
• Round 2: Q & A
• Round 3: Name that image

Prizes for 1st and 2nd place of each round.
Individuals or teams of up to 4 people are invited!
Registration required for each attendee.
Light snacks provided.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: CARLI: Information for All: Fostering Belonging Through Access to Educational Materials

October 8 at 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Registration

While library workers strive to increase patron belonging and student success through their efforts to create access to affordable educational resources, students responding to the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois’ Illinois Course Materials Survey: Student Perspective (2023) shared that they continue to struggle to afford their course materials. Libraries are responding to this need through collection development efforts for physical and electronic resources, including ebooks, databases, and course material reserves. Libraries also endeavor to serve their patrons’ needs by leading efforts to create and use open educational resources, as well as making these affordable options easily visible to their patrons.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Player Piano Demonstration

October 10 at 4:00–5:00 p.m.
More information

Enjoy a free concert featuring the Music & Performing Arts Library’s Steinway Duo-Art Reproducing Piano! See the piano in action and learn more about the instrument and roll collection. This is an informal event and all are welcome!

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Preparing to Give Feedback – Professional Development Series

October 14 at 1:30–3:00 p.m.
Registration

Do you struggle with how to approach a feedback conversation? Do you find yourself having the same conversation over and over? In this session, we will use Crucial Conversations to discuss how to decide on what conversation to have and what your goals are for that discussion.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: PTAC Dossier Deep Dive Session: Service Statement

October 16 at 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Registration

Open to anyone at any stage of the promotion and tenure process as well as unit heads, mentors, etc. Additional members of PTAC will be on sight to answer questions. Ample time will be given for group discussion and questions. Feel free to attend any or all of the sessions and bring your dossiers.

Facilitators: MJ Han

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Hub Training: Recording, Analyzing, and Visualizing Data in LibInsight

October 20 at 2:00–3:00 p.m. – In Person
October 24 at 3:00–4:00 p.m. – Online
Instructors: Jen Yu and Belinda Bolivar

For all 1st year GAs & anyone who hasn’t attended this training before or who wants a refresher (Civil Service non-exempt staff should get permission from their supervisor before planning to attend)

• To enroll in the Canvas course associated with Hub Training, use this link: canvas.illinois.edu/enroll/YYL6RR
• Registration is not required.
• Contact the Reference Management Team (rmt@library.illinois.edu) if you have any questions.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Hub Training: E-resources Access & Troubleshooting

October 27 at 2:00–3:00 p.m. – In Person
October 31 at 3:00–4:00 p.m. – Online
Instructor: Amy Fry

For all 1st year GAs & anyone who hasn’t attended this training before or who wants a refresher (Civil Service non-exempt staff should get permission from their supervisor before planning to attend)

• To enroll in the Canvas course associated with Hub Training, use this link: canvas.illinois.edu/enroll/YYL6RR
• Registration is not required.
• Contact the Reference Management Team (rmt@library.illinois.edu) if you have any questions.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: CARLI: BLC Digital Lending Summit

October 29 at 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Registration

Join us for the upcoming Digital Lending Summit, hosted at Boston College on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. This Summit will provide a forum to discuss future directions and strategies to expand digital lending practices in libraries. We invite you to join us for an exciting day to learn about the landscape of digital lending practices in libraries, collaborate across organizational silos, and chart the foundations of a broader community of practice to bring actionable and aspirational change to the digital lending ecosystem. Registration is free and open to all library workers. Space for in-person attendance is limited, so we encourage you to register early and secure travel arrangements soon. On-site registration includes parking and meals during the event. A remote viewing option will be available to those unable to attend in person.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Giving Feedback – Professional Development Series

October 29 at 1:30–3:00 p.m.
Registration

We will explore key lessons and practices from Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen (authors of Thanks for the Feedback) on how to effectively give feedback—fostering stronger relationships, trust, and collaboration.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: University Librarian Note

Check back next month for a note from Dean of Libraries and University Librarian Claire Stewart.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Library Building Project Update – 9/1/25

Tom Teper, Associate Dean and Associate University Librarian for Collections and Technical Services

General Update

Construction continues apace, with our most recent site observation from the architect estimating that the project is 16% completed. As of August 29^th, the following work is in progress: elevator excavation and external waterproofing, finishing demo of west pavilion and removal of waterproofing on plaza, courtyard limestone cleaning, and finishing mechanical and other demolition. The coming weeks will see the beginning of framing out of floors on the upper level, continuation of waterproofing and site work, and finishing the excavation necessary for the elevator.

Recently, the News-Gazette provided an update to their readers: news-gazette.com/news/former-undergrad-library-gets-facelift-accessibility-updates-in-transformation-to-archive-building/article_5cd14ff8-94ca-4210-83b5-6dce4aab3114.html.

Below are an assortment of photos from the exterior work currently underway.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Accessing Text and Data Mining Collections

Mary Ton, Digital Humanities Librarian

The Library offers text mining access to historic newspapers, primary sources, and purchased data, including Early English Books Online and African American Newspapers. Previously, these collections were available for text and data mining purposes via physical hard drives through the Scholarly Commons. Now, they’re available on Box by request via this brief form: go.illinois.edu/tdmrequest

This represents the culmination of a multi-year, multi-unit effort to migrate our collections from physical hard drives to cloud storage. I’m especially grateful to Tracy Popp (who heroically rescued data from failing drives) and Stu Turner (who graciously provided space and equipment for the migration), as well as the many graduate students who’ve supported this project over the years (Ryan Yoakum, Cadence Cordell, Adam Beaty, and Luisa Matzner). Thank you so much to all those in Library IT, Preservation, ACS, Oak Street, Library Admin, TLAS, Scholarly Communication and Publishing, Media Commons, and Grainger who contributed!

For a summary of our text mining collections, please see the “Finding Text Data” LibGuide: guides.library.illinois.edu/textdata

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Cheers for Peers

Library Human Resources is happy to announce this month’s Cheers for Peers submissions. The following Library employees have been cheered by their peers:

• Melanie Kuehn
• Sammi Merritt
• Christina Bonse
• Tracy Popp
• Quinita Balderson
• Tim Hayden
• Lee Whitacre
• Nacera Bouchama
• Naza Agassi
• Mirella Bajric
• Leon Ramirez
• Anthony Stewart
• Steve Bermingham
• Jake Culbertson
• Paul Foster
• Xavier Sanchez
• Tim Newman
• Emily Benton

To view the detailed Cheers for Peers submissions please view the Growing People blog.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Recognizing Excellence

• Lynne M. Thomas Receives 2025 Hugo Award

Please share your award, recognition, or grant! To initiate a request for publicity, employees (or their supervisors) should submit the Recognizing Excellence Submission Form.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Senior Administrative Team Meeting Minutes

The most recent meeting minutes of the Senior Administration Team are posted at:
library.illinois.edu/committees/committees/senior-administration-team

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Collection Development Committee Notes

The most recent meeting minutes of the CDC are posted at:
library.illinois.edu/staff/committee/collection-development-committee/

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Content Access Policy & Technology Meeting Minutes

The meeting minutes of CAPT (including workgroup reports) are posted at:
library.illinois.edu/staff/committee/content-access-policy-technology-capt/

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FACILITIES NEWS: Facilities Update

Tim Newman, Assistant Dean of Libraries for Facilities

For a complete list of projects in planning and construction, please visit wordpress.library.illinois.edu/staff/facilities.

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BUSINESS NEWS: Membership Dues

Kim Johnson, Associate Director of Fiscal Operations

To request payment or reimbursement of membership dues:

• Complete the Professional Development Funding and Travel Form
• Once the form is submitted, the form will be automatically emailed to the Business Office via email (BHRSC@library.illinois.edu)
• The Business Office will review the form and if funding is approved, the requester will receive an approval email with directions and then they can either:
  • Enter the request into the Purchasing and Reimbursement App with the following wording in the “Comments/Special Instructions” in the Delivery Section; “Requesting Business Office to pay.”
  • OR: Employee pays and seeks reimbursement.
• If seeking reimbursement, please submit a request in the Purchasing and Reimbursement App.
• In the approval email from the Business Office, a C-FOP will be provided for the funding source and the instructions will be attached to the email. (Please see the Reimbursements policy for further directions)
• Requests are typically processed within 3 business days of us receiving the approval from the Purchasing App
• Per University policy, all employee reimbursements will be processed through Chrome River. Please assist the Business Office staff and reply promptly to any correspondence regarding Chrome River access.
• Requests for reimbursement over 60 days old are taxable per IRS tax rules
• Reimbursements could take up to 4 to 6 weeks from the time it’s submitted, due to Payables workload
• Returned expense reports will be made the priority to complete

Located: library.illinois.edu/staff/bhrsc-business-services/membership-dues/

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HR NEWS: Departures

• Pamela Ward – Library Specialist – Funk ACES Library – Retiring, last day September 30, 2025
• Siobhan McKissic – Visiting Faculty – Ricker – Visiting appointment ended September 15, 2025

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HR NEWS: Civil Service Vacancies

• Senior Audio, Video, and Emerging Technology Specialist – Library IT – Interviewing Soon
• Senior Library Specialist – IAS & HPNL – Interviewing Soon
• Library Specialist – Communications Library– Interviewing Soon

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HR NEWS:  Academic Professional and Faculty Open Postings

• Head – Acquisitions & Cataloging Services Librarian – Acquisitions and Cataloging Services – Pending Offer

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Staff Events Calendar

To see the most up-to-date staff events calendar, please visit uiuc.libcal.com/calendar/staff.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Library AI Literacy Planning Summit

September 3 at 9:00–11:30 a.m. | Registration
September 4 at 9:00–11:30 a.m. | Registration

The event is an opportunity to contribute towards planning efforts connected to the Library’s role supporting campus teaching & learning.  Goals for the session include identifying AI Literacy needs connected to the Library’s role in research support, and identifying a list of priorities for developing workshops and teaching support.

There will be two identical sessions, each approximately two-and-a-half hours long.  The sessions will begin with an overview of AI Literacy based on current professional models, followed by structured brainstorming sessions to identify AI Literacy critical concepts and needs.  We want to hear from broad and diverse voices and perspectives at the event.  The discussion consider user and librarian perspectives, and examine diverse aspects of AI including technical, ethical, and practical literacy components.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: 35th Annual Mortenson Center Distinguished Lecture

September 4 at 3:30–5:00 p.m.
More information

Amanda Rubin, documentary filmmaker and journalist, has brought The Third Reich of Dreams, a long-overlooked classic back to print in a newly-translated English edition (Princeton Press, 2025). Her Mortenson Distinguished Lecture will share Beradt’s incredible untold story and legacy of courage as a woman, journalist, and refugee. The lecture will focus on the power of the irrepressible imagination and the potent symbolism of books, writing and archiving as “witnesses to history”. 

View information about additional events September 2-4: library.illinois.edu/mortenson/lectures/

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Exhibit opening for “Sweetbitter: The Literary Legacies and Afterlives of Sappho”

September 19 at 3:00–5:00 p.m.
More information

Please join us for the opening reception of RBML’s fall exhibit, Sweetbitter: The Literary Legacies and Afterlives of Sappho.

The ancient poet Sappho coined “sweetbitter” in one of her most evocative verses, still striking us to the heart nearly three millennia later. But who was Sappho? As with so many ancient figures, she is more legend than person today, her story told and retold even as her poetry continues to enchant and move us. Our opening reception celebration will take us back to an old form of a symposium, a party with spoken words and dance, featuring a special performance by contemporary dancer and choreographer Jessica Van de Koot.

This event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: University Librarian Note

Check back next month for a note from Dean of Libraries and University Librarian Claire Stewart.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Library Building Project Update – 8/1/25

Tom Teper, Associate Dean and Associate University Librarian for Collections and Technical Services

Construction continues apace, with our most recent site observation from the architect estimating that the project is 11% completed. As of July 31^st, the following work is in progress: elevator excavation and external waterproofing, finishing demo of west pavilion and waterproofing on plaza, beginning to salvage courtyard limestone, continuing mechanical and other demolition, concrete cutting for freight elevator, and removal of demolished materials. Below are an assortment of photos from the exterior work currently underway.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Cheers for Peers

Library Human Resources is happy to announce this month’s Cheers for Peers submissions. The following Library employees have been cheered by their peers:

• Adrienne Esserine
• Anthony Stewart
• Emma Kassem
• Tierra Brown
• Alfredo Guadarrama
• Carter Ingold
• Kent Markley
• Kennadie Mitchell
• Arthur Hall
• Megean Osuchowski

To view the detailed Cheers for Peers submissions please view the Growing People blog.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Recognizing Excellence

• Mary Schlembach Invited to Royal Society of London Conference
• Spring 2025 Presentations by Library Faculty and Academic Professionals
• Spring 2025 Publications by Library Faculty and Academic Professionals
• New series: Spring 2025 Professional Service by Library Faculty and Academic Professionals

Beginning in Spring 2025, there will be a new series alongside our triannual recognition of Presentations and Publications by Library Faculty and Academic Professionals, recognizing Professional Service.

If you would like to add your professional service to the Spring 2025 post, please use the newly revised Recognizing Excellence Submission form. Please only submit professional services that commenced during the post’s time period (January–May 2025).

If you receive an award, recognition, or grant, please complete and submit the Recognizing Excellence Submission form to be included in the Recognizing Excellence blog. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the communications team! communications@library.illinois.edu

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Senior Administrative Team Meeting Minutes

Moving forward, the meeting minutes of the Senior Administration Team will be posted at: library.illinois.edu/committees/committees/senior-administration-team

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Collection Development Committee Notes

The most recent meeting minutes of the CDC are posted at:
library.illinois.edu/staff/committee/collection-development-committee/

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Content Access Policy & Technology Meeting Minutes

The meeting minutes of CAPT (including workgroup reports) are posted at:
library.illinois.edu/staff/committee/content-access-policy-technology-capt/

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FACILITIES NEWS: Facilities Update

Tim Newman, Assistant Dean of Libraries for Facilities

For a complete list of projects in planning and construction, please visit wordpress.library.illinois.edu/staff/facilities.

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BUSINESS NEWS: International Travel

Kim Johnson, Associate Director of Fiscal Operations

Before requesting a meeting with the Business Office to arrange payment for international travel, the employee must first enroll in international travel insurance and provide proof of enrollment to the travel arranger during the travel arranging meeting. Payables now requires that this proof of insurance be uploaded when submitting travel charges through Emburse Enterprises.

Reimbursements for travel expenses will NOT be paid if the traveler did not sign up for the University provided insurance coverage.

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BUSINESS NEWS: Travel Grants

Kim Johnson, Associate Director of Fiscal Operations

The Business Office receives notification for Scholar’s Travel Funds, however, other grants or travel funds, we are not notified. If you have received

• International Conference Travel Grant: international.illinois.edu/awards-funding/conference-travel.html
• Staff Professional Development Fund: humanresources.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SPDF-Application-Criteria-for-SY-24-25.pdf
• Future World Changers Matching Grant: provost.illinois.edu/faculty-affairs/seminars-workshops/fwca/

Any documentation that say to have the unit’s Business Office contact the granting unit for funds transfer, we will need to have the original email to request funding.

FAQs:

• When am I going to get reimbursed?
  • University Payables process expense reports for the whole system, meaning Chicago, Springfield, Champaign and all the extension offices. It could take from 2 to 5 weeks to receive your reimbursement.
• I’m going to an conference/research trip, can I go before and/or stay longer for vacation?
  • Yes.  comparable itinerary is required. The Business Office will not pay for travel and /or hotels, the employee must seek reimbursement and will only be reimbursed for the time that is deemed University travel time. (library.illinois.edu/staff/bhrsc-business-services/booking-travel-in-a-nutshell/)
• I’m going on a day trip, can I get per diem?
  • No, per diem is not allowed for a day trip. (library.illinois.edu/staff/bhrsc-business-services/per-diem/)
• How do I request carpool vehicles?
  • Please complete Carpool Request Form
• Do I have to enroll in University travel insurance for international travel.
  • Yes. Payables will not let us arrange travel without the insurance and will refuse to reimburse travels if they do not have the University provided insurance coverage.

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BUSINESS NEWS: Grants

Kim Johnson, Associate Director of Fiscal Operations

The Library Business Office requires that all complete proposal is provided to the Grants and Contracts Coordinator seven (7) business days in advance of the sponsor’s deadline in order to meet the SPA deadline requirements.

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BUSINESS NEWS: Updates – Effective July 1, 2025

Kim Johnson, Associate Director of Fiscal Operations

Indirect Cost Rate:

• Our federally negotiated F&A rate is currently under renegotiation and expected to take effect July 1, 2025. If a provisional rate is issued before then, we will apply the lesser of the current or provisional rate until the final rate is confirmed.

Tuition Remission rate for Other Sponsored Activity (OSA) will be 62%

• For projects classified as Other Sponsored Activity (OSA) that include tuition remission:
  • a 62% tuition remission rate will be applied in accordance with new institutional policy
  • Implementation: new OSA awards will assess a 62% tuition remission rate
  • Existing awards with a 64% tuition remission rate will stay at 64% for the life of the project
• FY26 Tuition Remission Rates
  • Instruction: 64%
  • Organized Research: 64%
  • Other Sponsored Activities: 62%
• The threshold for sub-award indirect cost exclusion increases to $50,000
  • Applies only to new sub-awards on or after 7/1/25
• Institutional Equipment Threshold Remains at $5,000
  • Despite the federal revision, our institution will continue to apply a $5,000 equipment threshold for all proposals—federal, state, or otherwise. This aligns with the State of Illinois definition of equipment and ensures consistency particularly when funding sources are blended.

*These updates affect how the Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) base is calculated for indirect costs.

What You Should Do

• If your proposal has a budget start date on or after July 1, 2025:
  • Use the revised budget template with a $5,000 equipment threshold and a $50,000 subaward threshold for indirect cost base calculations.
  • SPA Budget Templates: sponsoredprograms.illinois.edu/research-topics/proposal-budgeting
• For supplements, the rates and thresholds will remain the same for the entire period of performance
• For continuations, use the current F&A rate and if extending the period of performance for OSA awards, update the tuition remission rate to 62%
  • SPA will setup a separate CFOP under the existing grant code to track continuation funding subject to the new 62% tuition remission rate
• For existing awards, the thresholds and tuition remission rate remain the same for the life of the project.

Recently Updated FAQ’s

F&A rates were updated in the following FAQ’s associated with the CAM RP-03 Charging of Facilities and Administrative Costs to Sponsored Projects:

• What is the appropriate F&A rate for State of Illinois GOMB agencies?
  • The off-campus rate was changed from 10% MTDC to 15% MTDC
• What is the appropriate F&A rate for use on non-profit organizations?
  • The rate was changed from 10% TDC to 15% TDC
• What rate should I use for a subrecipient who does not have a negotiated F&A rate?
  • The rate was changed from 10% MTDC to 15% MTDC

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HR NEWS: Departures

• Xiaoping Qi – Senior Library Specialist – ACS – Retired, last day June 30, 2025

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HR NEWS: Civil Service Vacancies

• Senior Audio, Video, and Emerging Technology Specialist – Library IT – Interviewing Soon

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HR NEWS:  Academic Professional and Faculty Open Postings

• Head – Acquisitions & Cataloging Services Librarian – Acquisitions and Cataloging Services – Pending Offer

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Staff Events Calendar

To see the most up-to-date staff events calendar, please visit uiuc.libcal.com/calendar/staff.

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: Fall 2025 Library-wide Graduate Assistant Orientation

Monday, August 18

• GA Training: Welcome & Working in the Library
  • 9:15–10:45 a.m., Main Library 66, Main Library
• GA Training: Emergency Procedures
  • 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Main Library 66, Main Library
• GA Training: Group Lunch and 2nd Year GA Panel
  • 12:00–1:30 p.m., Main Library 220, Main Library
• GA Training: Fire Extinguisher Training & Practice
  • 1:45–2:45 p.m., Main Library 66, Main Library
• GA Training: Main Library Building Tour
  • 2:45–3:30 p.m., Main Library, First Floor Information Desk, Main Library
• GA Training: Main Stacks Tour
  • 2:45–3:30 p.m., Main Library, 2nd Floor Stacks Circulation Desk, Main Library
• GA Training: Main Library Building Tour
  • 3:30–4:15 p.m., Main Library, First Floor Information Desk, Main Library
• GA Training: Main Stacks Tour
  • 3:30–4:15 p.m., Main Library, 2nd Floor Stacks Circulation Desk, Main Library
• GEO Presentation for New Graduate Assistants
  • 4:15–5:15 p.m., Main Library 66, Main Library

Tuesday, August 19

• GA Training: Introduction to Library Web Strategy and Development
  • 9:00–9:45 a.m., Grainger Commons, Rooms 233/235, Engineering
• GA Training: Introduction to Catalog Tools
  • 10:00–11:15 a.m., Grainger Commons, Rooms 233/235, Engineering
• GA Training: Tour of Grainger Library
  • 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Grainger Commons, Rooms 233/235, Engineering
• GA Training: Alma Fulfillment
  • 1:00–2:15 p.m., Grainger Commons, Rooms 233/235, Engineering
• GA Training: Alma Cataloging
  • 2:30–3:30 p.m., Grainger Commons, Rooms 233/235, Engineering
• GA Training: Alma Acquisitions
  • 3:30–4:30 p.m., Grainger Commons, Rooms 233/235, Engineering

Wednesday, August 20

• GA Training: Introduction to Library Database Searching
  • 9:15–10:45 a.m., Funk ACES Library 509, ACES
• GA Training: Tour of Funk ACES Library
  • 11:00–11:45 a.m., Funk ACES Library 509, ACES
• GA Training: Reference Interview and Instruction in Reference
  • 12:45–2:30 p.m., Funk ACES Library 509, ACES
• GA Training: Chat Reference and Referrals + Overview of LibInsight
  • 2:45–4:30 p.m., Funk ACES Library 509, ACES

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EVENTS AND TRAINING: 35th Annual Mortenson Center Distinguished Lecture

September 4 at 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Registration

Amanda Rubin, documentary filmmaker and journalist, has brought The Third Reich of Dreams, a long-overlooked classic back to print in a newly-translated English edition (Princeton Press, 2025). Her Mortenson Distinguished Lecture will share Beradt’s incredible untold story and legacy of courage as a woman, journalist, and refugee. The lecture will focus on the power of the irrepressible imagination and the potent symbolism of books, writing and archiving as “witnesses to history”. 

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