Unique Collections

Art & Culture

A locally produced database of images for use in the study and teaching of art, design, and visual culture at Illinois State University.

Children's Literature Collection

The Children's Literature Collection houses several noteworthy collections including the Lois Lenski Collection, Will Johnson Collection and more.

Circus and Allied Arts Collection

One of the largest special collections of its type in existence, the Circus and Allied Arts Collection is over 8,000 volumes strong, including the A Passion for Circus Digital Collection.

Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives at Illinois State University

The University Archives was recognized in 1970 as the official repository of University records that have enduring value.

This includes :

Official records from governing boards, campus offices, faculty and student governance bodies, committees, colleges, departments and faculty and student organizations

Professional and personal papers of faculty, administrative staff and alumni, educational organizations in Illinois

Manuscript or archival material related to individuals and local clubs or businesses in the area.

Faculty Research at Illinois State University: A Bibliography of Historical and Current Scholarly Works

In 1999, Milner Library embarked on an ambitious project to collect and document the works of all faculty members in Illinois State University history.

Illinois State University History Collection

The History Collection currently includes campus history books, proceedings of the first university governing board, digital images, and nearly 400 photographs.

International Collection of Child Art

Illinois State University Milner Library's International Collection of Child Art celebrates the creativity and innovative work produced by children with a global perspective.

Lincoln Collection of H.K. Sage

This "working Lincoln library" contains over 2,600 books and pamphlets which cover all aspects of Lincoln's life.