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About

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MISSION + VISION

Mission: The Benedictine University Library directly supports the university’s academic mission through selecting, curating, creating, preserving, and providing access to digital and physical resources anytime and by providing the finest in-person and virtual support and services to all of our regional and global Library constituents.

Vision: The Benedictine University Library is a primary source for the academic success of our students and faculty and is integral to the future direction of the University.

Students

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Memberships

LIBRAS I-Share Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI) Catholic Research Resources Alliance (CRRA)

Collections

Books – About 200,000 books.

Periodicals– About 30,000 periodicals.

Academic Databases – About 100 databases.

I-Share – Materials from more than 90 academic libraries in Illinois.

Archives & Special Collections – Benedictine University records, theses/dissertations, manuscripts, and rare books.

Constellation Institutional Repository – Works by BenU faculty and students. Note: Constellation is currently unavailable. We are exploring alternative institutional repository platforms.

Instructional Materials Collection – Juvenile books, teacher’s kits, and multimedia resources.

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High School Students

Services We Provide

Circulation
Interlibrary Loan
Instruction
Research + Reference
Reserves
University Archives

HISTORY

In 1901, the Benedictine University Library then called the St. Procopius College Library, moved from its Chicago location to Benedictine Hall on the Lisle campus. Over the next 60 years, the collection grew from 7,000 to more than 40,000 volumes, prompting the need for a new facility. In 1963, the Library moved to its new home, the Theodore Lownik Library, where it resided for nearly 40 years.

In 2001, the Library moved to its present-day Lisle campus in Kindlon Hall. Since then, the Library has opened a branch location on the Mesa campus. Today, the Library provides access to more than 200,000 volumes and serves students, faculty, and staff worldwide.

Explore Our Online Exhibit

Thank you for visiting the BenU Library. Whether you’re an online student, a faculty member, or a parent, we’re happy you’ve chosen to visit us. My hope is that this is a safe space, both virtually and in-person, where everyone can feel welcome to study, work together, or learn something new.

Students: I’m committed to making this library a space where everyone feels comfortable being themselves and can learn to ask questions leading to new discoveries and adventures in research. You can only ask the curious questions that lead to academic success when you feel safe and supported. I will do everything in my power to make diversity, equity, and inclusion an integral pillar of the BenU Library’s plan for success in the coming years.

Keep in mind: A library staff member’s assistance may be the pathway to a student gaining new confidence in an unfamiliar subject matter. We joke about Google giving you a million answers, but the library worker will give you the right one every time—but we joke because it’s true! No matter where you’re coming from or what language you speak, we are committed to serving your urgent research needs virtually and online.

You’ll find I’m dedicated to being a constant learner and advocate for the people I serve.

Joy Matteson, Benedictine University Librarian, standing in front of a wall of books

Joy Matteson

University Librarian
[email protected].