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Physical Collections

Highlighting Special Collections and Archives

Detail of a book cover illustration by Maxfield Parrish that shows two identical chefs standing on either side of a large metal storage vessel atop a counter. Each of the chefs leans forward toward the other with an identical expression of concern or surprise. They wear the same tunics and chef hats, with the exception of the underlayers of sleeves and tights, which are orange on one chef and blue on the other. Each figure holds an identical giant spoon behind their back.
The Knave of Hearts is a one-act play written by Louise Saunders and illustrated by Maxfield [...]
Black and white photo of the Cook Hall exterior.
From an alum’s World Series victory to how Redbirds celebrated Halloween more than a hundred years [...]
Wood cut illustration showing a woman in flowing robes and a crown standing on a stone balcony and pointing a finger to a gnarled wooded area. Another figure stands on the ground pointing to an arrow embedded in their chest.
While William Morris lamented much of the quality he saw as lost to the Industrial Revolution, he [...]
Volleyball players wearing red shorts and white tops play a match
From the origins of Redbird volleyball to the launch of the University’s Department of Special [...]

Browse the Collections

General collections are shelved on floors 2-6 of Milner Library. Consult the catalog and floor maps or ask us for help locating physical items.

Physical Collections

  • Stuffed animals.

    Teaching Materials Center

    Pre-K-12 materials, including picture books, YA novels, leveled readers, and teacher edition textbooks.

  • Books on a table.

    Government Information

    Up-to-date and historical federal and state information reflecting all aspects of government activity.

  • Maps and atlases drawing

    Maps and Atlases

    200,000 printed maps and cartographic materials with a major emphasis on Illinois and the Midwest.

  • Students browsing the DVD Collection

    Multimedia Center DVD & VHS Collection

    Broad range of educational films, documentaries, feature films, and performances in music, dance, and theater.

  • Piece of an old book.

    Special Collections

    The Special Collections Department at Milner Library holds rare books and archival materials.

  • Sword artifact

    Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives

    The Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives is the official repository for selected materials that document the history of the university.

  • Books on a shelf.

    Browsing Books Collection

    Recently published and/or bestseller fiction and nonfiction books.