While we could not find much data about how Buck was advertised to the student community, the image it meant to create was clear - a fancy architectural symbol that was meant to stand out on campus. The emphasis of Buck was to showcase its expensive nature. For example, a glass encased record of furnishings spells out in calligraphy the exquisite furniture that the library had within. This emphasis on showcasing the impressive furniture highlights that the library prioritized aesthetic appeal over student comfort and accessibility. 

 

Transitioning to a brochure of Sheean library before it was named, it is intriguing to understand how Sheean wanted to attract students to come to its quarters.  The very first word used for itself by Sheean was “unusual”, an interesting use of language accompanied by an image of an artwork displayed in the library - appearing striking from the very get-go.



The next two words were “accessible” and “considerate”, communicating to students the clear idea that the library was for them. Calling the library staff “considerate” was an interesting departure from Sue Anderson (University Librarian from 1992) oral history. She mentioned that the library had a lack of response during that period - if someone wanted something, they were often directed to Illinois State University (ISU). That was clearly not the image the library wanted to project. 

The brochure speaks directly in a conversational tone with students, such as "Catch it on your way around..." and "In a hurry? Too bad." At the same time, it addresses specific needs and situations students might come across, like needing a place to study, access to various types of media, or a room for typing reports.

The brochure has a clear emphasis on student convenience and accessibility. It highlights availability of specialized resources and facilities as well, such as special listening rooms, calculator rooms, etc. each catering to diverse academic needs. Another main aspect was the attempt to portray the library as the intellectual heart of campus. Using phrases like “ideas move from mind to mind across the ages” the library would be a space where students’ academic goals came to life. There was also a focus on underscoring the library’s efforts to make students’ lives easier and highlighting the role of librarians in bringing resources for students “where students need them, when students need them.”

The brochure also mentions the library’s quadrant design and how that shapes its space - allowing for in-depth resources from multiple specialized fields. The brochure displays an image of an old library, mentioning that most libraries still look like that, but as higher education changes, architectural plans do too. The image also highlights Sheean’s “modern” structure and focus on student comfort depicting  “color-cued lounges”, individual or group study rooms, or even the Pit (a popular lounging area amongst students), alongside pictures of students engaged in work. 

"It seems the designers thought of everything” is our highlight from the brochure, completely summarizing what the library wanted students to think - Sheean was a revolutionary structure on campus for every need of the modern student (down to a missing umbrella).

In Ames Library’s many brochures, students are taken through the many resources in a friendly manner, and it emphasizes the many uses of the library besides studying - students enjoying lounging on picnic tables in the Roof Garden, winding down in the many “living rooms” throughout the library, surfing the net or sharing student opinions on an interactive student wall! From the writing center to a social justice room, from numerous computer stations to a self-care station, the Ames library breaks out of the traditional mold of the library as a stuffy, silent space meant only for study sessions, instead, it is the place where students can ask for help, wind down, gather knowledge or simply just spend time.

Another interesting aspect about Ames’ brochures is the addition of all the numerous ways a student can access librarians - a very clear indication of the library’s efforts to show students that they have personalized help at their disposal always - as well as ways to get there - not only in-person but also virtually. It shows that the space is dedicated to providing students every possible resource they require.
 

With this area of space in the Ames library, students have become more attracted to it as well. As Sue Anderson said, “When I got here, students didn’t come in the building and now they do. So that’s really changed dramatically, and I think they’re doing something in the library besides just sitting there so you know that’s wonderful.” 

Ames was the first library at IWU to really work towards creating a separate brand and unique image for the library - evident through the multiple merchandise items the library keeps releasing! These include bags, tattoos, mugs, and even a fancy leather bookmark we found from 2002! While this conveys the role of Ames as a central part of campus culture, such fun and casual merchandise also presents relatability, again departing from the traditional, formal image of libraries in the minds of students. 

Find the full brochures mentioned below!