L LINO IUNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

PRODUCTION NOTE

University of Illinois atUrbana-Champaign Library

Large-scale Digitization Project, 2007.

S

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY FRIENDS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

vol. 5, no. 3Fall 1983

ISSN 0192-5539

Fall Events Spotlight CollectionRenaissance Emblems and EmblematicsThe University of Illinois Library owns one of the world's fewgreat collections of Renaissance emblem books, most of themacquired for the Library by Professor Henri Stegemeier, whohas recently been named Honorary Curator of the collection(see story on p. 2).

An emblem usually consists of three interrelated parts: anenigmatic picture, a motto, and an explanatory text, thepurpose of which is to present a moral or religiouscommonplace in some striking fashion. Emblems wereextraordinarily popular all over Europe from the 1530s untilwell into the eighteenth century. Both the sixteenth andseventeenth centuries are well represented in the Library'scollection, which includes many very rare titles. The RareBook Room now houses about 500 editions of this genre ofworks, according to Rare Book Librarian N. Frederick Nash."These works constitute an important source of informationfor scholars investigating the social and intellectual history ofWestern Europe," he noted.

As varied as emblems were, they also often representedvariations on the same symbols or motifs. A typical example isthe saying Festina lente, or "make haste slowly," celebratedsince antiquity and discussed at length by Erasmus in his adageof 1508. The standard symbol for Festina lente was the dolphin(speed) and anchor (stability), but early editions of animportant emblem book by Alcati use other symbols. In the1531 edition, "Necessary delay" is illustrated by an arrow, toindicate speed, and a snail, which represents delay.

The Library Friends fall program held on October 10featured UI professor of French Barbara Bowen's presentationof "Renaissance Emblems: Proverbial Wisdom in SpeakingPictures." Professor Bowen spoke to a highly entertainedaudience on the phenomenon of emblem books, andillustrated her remarks with slides. An exhibit of materials fromthe collection was on display in the Rare Book Room, andpopular exhibits on emblems in the Library's main corridoralso marked the event. The program was hosted by LibraryFriends in conjunction with the University's recent designationof Dr. Stegemeier as honorary curator.

Because they are extremely valuable, items in the emblemcollection are not allowed to circulate. Thanks to assistancefrom the UI Research Board, however, a descriptive titlecatalog of the emblem books collection is now being preparedby Mr. Thomas McGeary, under Professor Nash's supervision.The catalog, which will be of use to scholars around theworld, will contain a variety of data about each book: precisetranscription of the title, imprint information, designation offormat, collation, number of illustrations, and bibliographicalreferences. Also noted will be any unusual information aboutthe book, such as hand-written marginalia. As well asproviding a valuable research tool for those who do not haveimmediate access to the resources at Illinois, the catalog willalso establish the importance of the UI Library's emblemcollection alongside those of Glasgow, Wolfenbuttel, andPrinceton. If all goes well, the catalog should be completedduring the coming year.

The UI Library's collection of emblem books is one morefactor contributing to the eminence of the Library's excellentresources and research materials. As a collection, it alsocomplements and enhances the Library's strong holdings ofRenaissance school books, drama, history, and belles-lettres.

Prof. Barbara Bowen displays two of the rare volumes from theLibrary's collection of emblem books.

Tenth Anniversary Issue ofNon Solus MailedThe 1983 annual report for Library Friends, Non Solus, hasrecently been mailed to all members of the Friends. This tenthanniversary issue features articles on the Library's collection ofMarcel Proust letters, the year's notable acquisitions, theLibrary's catalog, the Illinois Historical Survey, and the storybehind an old stage script in the Classics Library. Former UIChancellor John Peltason offers a ten-year retrospective onthe birth of the Friends organization, and current FriendsExecutive Committee president Edwin Scharlau contributes apiece on the future goals of the Friends.

Included with the Non Solus mailing is a special sheetdescribing the various items the Friends Office is offering forsale as unusual gifts for the holiday season. All profits will beused to benefit the collections of the UI Library. For bestselection, be sure to send your orders in early.

If you have not received your mailing, please contact SandraBatzli at the Friends Office (217/333-7480).

Curators NamedOn May 26 Professor Emerita of LibraryAdministration Marian Harman wasofficially designated with the Universitytitle of Honorary Curator of Incunabulaat a special luncheon in the Rare BookRoom held in her honor. During Dr.Harman's long affiliation with theLibrary, the special collections at theUniversity of Illinois Library have grownto take a preeminent position amongthe nation's research resources.

Since her official retirement in 1969,Dr. Harman has continued work in herchosen field of incunabula (booksprinted before the year 1501). In 1979,the Library Friends sponsored thepublication in the Robert B. DownsFund series of her important catalog,Incunabula in the University of IllinoisLibrary. Today she is regarded as theresident expert on the subject of 15th-century printing, and advises on theacquisition of early printed books aswell as secondary sources. Her workhas vastly enriched the resources of theLibrary, but Dr. Harman claims that sheis "simply doing what I love to do."

Dr. Henri Stegemeier was namedHonorary Curator of Emblem Booksand Emblematics during a luncheonhosted by UIUC Chancellor JohnCribbet and University Librarian HughAtkinson in his honor on September 29.Dr. Stegemeier, professor Emeritus ofGermanic languages and literatures,came to the University in 1942. For fourdecades he has worked to develop theLibrary's collection of emblem books-a genre of the 16th and 17th centuriesillustrating popular moral wisdomthrough mottoes, drawings and texts.Through his efforts, the Library todayboasts an exceptional collection ofemblem books numbering about 500original editions, as well as manycomplementary bibliographies andsecondary source materials.

UIUC Chancellor John Cribbet congratulatesDr. Harman on her honorary curatorship.

u,. tegiemeger trigni; accepts me certincate naming him curator from Mr. Cribbet and Mr.Atkinson.

When notified of his appointment as The Library is fortunate to benefitHonorary Curator, Dr. Stegemeier said: from the knowledge and efforts of"I have had a certain kind of 'love these scholars. University recognitionaffair' with our magnificent their roles in furthering the Library'sLibrary...since the first day I came to excellence is most appropriate, and tcampus, and whatever I was able to do Friends add their congratulations toin my own small way to contribute to these two special builders of theits greatness has...been a true 'labor of University of Illinois Library collectioilove'."

The Library is Looking...For a donation to purchase a set ofimportant microfiche publications forthe Slavic and East European Library.The series, which constitutes animportant research tool on EasternEurope, has been out of print for years,and the Library owns only very fewscattered issues in hard copy. Theunpublished statistics compiled byRadio Free Europe East EuropeanAudience and Opinion Research areavailable on fiche for Bulgaria,Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, andRomania. The set can be obtained forabout $350.

For a copy of The Twenty-Four DaysBefore Christmas by Madeline L'Englefor the Education and Social ScienceLibrary's "S" (School) Collection ofchildren's and young adult literature.The book was first published in 1964 byFarrar, Straus & Giroux but is no longerin print and cannot be located on thesecond-hand market. The donation ofany printing of this title would be amost welcome addition to thecollection, as there have been specificrequests for the book. Celestino Piatti'sAnimal ABC is also out of print andunobtainable. The 1966 edition of thisbook, with English text by John Reid

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and illustrations by Piatti, was publishedin New York by Atheneum. The Librarywould be grateful to receive anyedition of this book.

For funds to purchase the WorldEmployment Programme ResearchWorking Papers for the Labor andIndustrial Relations Library. Publishedby the International Labour Office inmicrofiche, these are preliminaryresearch studies with restricteddistribution to specialists in the varioussubject matters covered under the ILOWorld Employment Programme. Theyare valuable for research in areas oflabor force, employment andunemployment, working conditions,manpower planning, economicdevelopment, technological change andtechnology transfer, training andeducation, etc. The 1974-80 set costs$1140, and annual updates are about$250; regular book funds are notsufficient to permit acquisition of thecollection.

If you can help the Library with adonation or gift, please contact SandraBatzli, Friends Coordinator, 415 Library,1408 W. Gregory, Urbana, IL 61801(217/333-7480).

ExecutiveCommittee NotesThe University of Illinois Library Friendsis an exciting group of individuals andcorporations interested in thecontinued support and development ofthe U of I Library. We are veryfortunate to have one of the world'sfinest libraries at the U of I, and a greatdeal of work and dedication isnecessary to maintain the level that thestudents and alumni are accustomed toexpecting.

The Executive Committee comprises17 members who represent a goodcross section of the University and thelocal community. Each member eitherchairs or is on one of the standingcommittees. The four committees areBudget, Program, Volunteer Services,and Development. Through theworkings of these committees, yearlygoals are established and a plan ofaction is developed to ensure that thegoals are met. Each member takes avery active role in his or her committeeand in turn the Library Friends havehad many positive results.

The Library Friends has 1368corporate and individual members whorepresent every state in the UnitedStates and several foreign countries.Contributions of approximately $60,000are now received annually, makingpossible the purchase and addition tothe Library of several books andcollections that would not ordinarily bepossible through normal funding.

As we look forward to the 1983-84year, we are excited about thecontinued growth and development ofthe Library Friends. In addition to theregular committees, a special goal ofdeveloping a five-year plan for theFriends has been set by the board.

We, as board members, enjoy theopportunity of serving our Library andUniversity. If you have ideas orsuggestions for our future planning,please feel free to contact me or anyboard member.

-Edwin A. Scharlau, IIPresident, Executive Committee

New Plaques in Library Honor Major DonorsThirty-one individuals and a foundationhave been recognized for their sub-stantial gifts to the UI Library. TheFriends has displayed the names of thedonors on two plaques hung on theeast wall of the Library's first-floorcorridor.

One lists the Stewart Howe Founda-tion, Evanston, and seven individualswho qualified for membership in theUniversity Librarian's Council by givingat least $5000 to the Library. In additionto Dr. Janet Weston and Dr. E. KennethGray, the plaque includes the names ofthree people appointed to the Councilin the past 18 months: Sarah PattersonPagels, Chicago; William B. Arnold,Laguna Beach, Calif.; and Mrs. RobertT. Ittner, Champaign. A nameplate forthe Council's newest member, BerthaJean Berger, Champaign, will be addedto the plaque soon.

The other plaque displays the namesof 13 individuals and seven marriedcouples who were named LifeMembers of the UI Library Friends fordonating gifts of at least $1500. LifeMembers who have joined sinceFrlendscript's last such report in spring1982 include Betty Jean Albert, Mr. andMrs. William G. Sproat, Sr., and WilliamE. Kappauf, all of Champaign; Dr.Marion Maclean Davis, Kennett Square,Pa.; and Eunice Collins Sourla, Sun CityCenter, Fla. Mrs. Sourla's nameplate isnow being made for addition to theplaque.

Three individuals are members ofboth groups. Maryann Drost Bitzer-the first name on each plaque-was thefirst person to give a donation quali-fying her for each group. Two otherswho qualified for both groups are Mrs.Catharine H. Kappauf, Champaign, andDr. E. Kenneth Gray, St. Petersburg, Fla.

Mrs. Bitzer said she joined LibraryFriends and supports the Librarybecause she knew only private financialsupport would enable it to acquiresome special collections and rare booksand because she is fascinated by books.

As an undergraduate at UI in the '50s,she worked in the Library. Later sheearned a master's degree in educationalpsychology from Illinois. "It is a plea-sure to return something to the Librarythat has given so much to my life," shesaid. "It's been very exciting to see thespecial collections and unusual booksthe Library has acquired with moneythe Friends has raised."

Since the UI Library Friends wasestablished in 1972, gifts of more than$300,000 have allowed the purchase ofvaluable and unique collections andrare volumes. This past year majordonors have contributed a milliondollars, and Library Friends gave morethan $60,000.

Maryann Bitzer holds the two new walnutplaques which now hang in the Library'smain corridor to recognize major donors tothe Library's collections.

The Benefits of MembershipAs a Friend of the University of IllinoisLibrary, you receive:a Special circulation and stack privileges for

Library materials* Friendscript, the quarterly newslettera Non Solus, the annual bulletin* Invitations to exhibits, lectures and

receptions* A 30% discount on University of Illinois

Press publicationsThe Friends welcome everyone interested inthe continued excellence of the Universityof Illinois Library. There are now over 1000members of Library Friends.

YES, I/We wish to becomemembers of the U of I LIBRARYFRIENDSO University Librarian's Council at UIUC:

$5000 0 Sponsor: $100O Life: $1500 0 Subscriber: $50o Benefactor: $1000 0 Contributor: $250 Patron: $500 0 Student: $5Please make your check payable toUniversity of Illinois Foundation/LibraryFriends, 224 Illini Union, 1401 W. Green St.,Urbana, Illinois 61801. All contributions aretax-deductible.

Name

Address

State & Zip

friendscriptAppears quarterly in April, July, Oct.,and Jan. Editor: Linda Hoffman. Officeof Publication: Library Friends, 415Library, Univ. of Illinois, 1408 W.Gregory, Urbana, IL 61801.(POSTMASTER: Send Form 3579 tothis address.) Second-class postagepaid at Urbana, III.

Calendar Library Visit Highlights Fall Foundation MeetingExhibits

September 15-"Notable Acquisitions, 1982/83." Rare BookRoom.

October 17-November 7"The Illinois Contribution to City Planning:Education and Professional Practice." MainCorridor, UI Library.

November 1-30"All Quiet...The 65th Anniversary of theArmistice." Main Corridor, UI Library.

November 14-28"Past Shock: An Archival View of the Historyof the University of Illinois." Main Corridor,UI Library.

November 15-December 28"Gift Ideas from Library Friends." FriendsCase, Main Corridor, UI Library.

November 28-December 16"German-American Cultural Cross-Currents." Main Corridor, UI Library.

December 1-31"Prohibition Repeal and ResultingAlcoholism." University Archives.

January 1-31"Social Science Research and Cuba: 25thAnniversary of Castro Regime, Oscar LewisResearch Project." University Archives.

Events

November 10Richard Eberhart reading his poetry. 8 p.m.,114 David Kinley Hall. Cosponsored in partby MillerComm, Department of English, andLibrary Friends. Public welcome.

On September 16 the University Librarypresented a special program on theLibrary computer catalog andcirculation system. This year during theUI Foundation's Annual Meeting, aspecial visit to the Library wasscheduled for Foundation members.

Following Hugh Atkinson's welcometo the Library, Chancellor John Cribbetdiscussed the Library's importance tothe state and the nation. Mr. Atkinsontalked about the role of the UI Libraryand the statewide interlibrary loansystem. Ms. Paula Watson and Mr. KurtMurphy, of the Library's GeneralServices division, presented a

demonstration of the Library ComputerSystem. Bridget Lamont, director of theIllinois State Library, discussed LCS andthe interlibrary loan system as viewedby the state. The near-capacityaudience received enthusiastically theprogram and posed many questions.

The University Archives and theLibrary Friends prepared materials forexhibits for the occasion. The meetingprovided an opportunity to bring thisgroup to the Library and to show tothem not only the rich resources of theLibrary, but the improved access to itscollections.

Library faculty members Paula Watson and Kurt Murphy (right) talked with Presidents Councilmember William R. Horsfall, UI professor emeritus of Entomology, about the capabilities ofthe Library Computer System during the special program held as part of the UI FoundationAnnual Meeting in September.

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