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ILLINOIS STATE LIBRARY

Historical Timeline 1818−1850 | 1851−1900 | 1901−1950 | 1951−2000 | 2001−

Notable dates and events in the history of the Illinois State Library:

1818−1850

1818-1822  Elias Kent Kane, Secretary of State.

1820  Bill introduced to provide a State Library presented to General Assembly at Vandalia. Bill tabled. Act passed incorporating the Belleville Debating and Library Society - the first public library in Illinois.

1822-1823  Samuel D. Lockwood, Secretary of State.

1823-1824  David Blackwell, Secretary of State.

1823  General Assembly passed Act "to encourage public libraries, permitting the incorporation of library associations."

1824-1825  Morris Birkbeck, Secretary of State.

1825-1828  George Forquer, Secretary of State.

1829-1840  Alexander P. Field, Secretary of State.

1839  The First State Library established expressly "for the uses of the Legislature and Supreme Court of this state."

1840-1841  Stephen A. Douglas, Secretary of State.

1841-1843  Lyman Trumbull, Secretary of State.

1842  ISL was housed in first Springfield State House (now known as the "Old State Capitol").  Secretary of State - ex officio State Librarian.

1843-1846  Thompson Campbell, Secretary of State.

1846-1850  Horace S. Cooley, Secretary of State.

1850-1853  David L. Gregg, Secretary of State.

1851−1900

1853-1857  Alexander Starne, Secretary of State.

1855  Beginning of exchange of state documents with other states.

1857-1865  Ozias M. Hatch, Secretary of State.

1865-1869  Sharon Tyndale, Secretary of State.

1867  The State Library was placed under Managing Board of Commissioner's composed of the Governor, Secretary of State, and Superintendent of Public Instruction. The commission was empowered to appoint a Librarian.  General Assembly appropriated $6,000 for ISL Fiscal Year 1867-1868.

1869-1873  Edward Rummell, Secretary of State.

1870's  Rules of the ISL.

1871  First printed catalog of holdings of the ISL - 52 pages.

1872  Law passed permitting the establishment of tax-supported libraries. Eight tax-supported libraries were established.

1873-1881  George H. Harlow, Secretary of State.

1874  ISL law specified the Secretary of State as State Librarian.  Mrs. E. M. Boilvin directed (but not named Director) the ISL (the first woman appointed to work in the State).

1877  Second printed catalog of holdings of ISL - 111 pages.

1880  The ISL collection cataloged for the first time - resulted in 500 page volume.

1881  Office of Assistant Librarian created; formerly the acting librarian was known as Literary Clerk. Positions were named in the classified list of the State Civil Service Commission and appointments made by the Secretary of State.

1881-1882  Edith Walbridge (first Assistant State Librarian).

1881-1889  Henry D. Dement, Secretary of State.

1889  The Illinois State Historical Library created. Nucleus of collection consisted books and documents from the ISL collection relating to the history of Illinois.

1889-1893  Isaac N. Pearson, Secretary of State.

1892-1893  Miss E. H. Selby, Grace H. Pearson, Priscilla Jones - Librarians.

1893-1897  William H. Hinrichsen, Secretary of State.

1894-1898  Grace Pearson, Savilla Hinrichsen - Librarians.

1896  Illinois Library Association formed.

1897-1912  James A. Rose, Secretary of State.

1898-1900  Savilla Hinrichsen, Librarian - Assisted by Miss H. E. Rose, Maude Thayer, Jessie Rose.

1900-1914  During this period extensive document and periodical collections developed.  Maude Thayer, Librarian.

1901−1950

1904  Dictionary catalog of the ISL collection printed and distributed to all public libraries in Illinois, State Libraries, and many University libraries throughout the United States.  First ISL Institute held in Jacksonville.

1909  The Illinois Library Extension Commission established. Headquarters, due to the crowded condition of the State House, moved to basement of Decatur Free Public Library. Purpose: "to interest cities and communities in establishing new libraries.

1911  Part of the ISL staff placed under Civil Service.

1912-1913  Cornelius J. Doyle, Secretary of State.

1913  Legislative Reference Bureau established - before this much of the legislative reference was done by the ISL.  ISL book collection recataloged and reclassified according to the Dewey Decimal System.

1913-1914  Harry Woods, Secretary of State. 1914  The Illinois Library Extension Committee moved from Decatur to the Capitol Building in Springfield.  165 tax-supported libraries.  Average salary $589 a year for librarians.

1914-1917  Lewis G. Stevenson, Secretary of State.

1914-1921  Eva May Fowler, Assistant Librarian.

1917-1929  Louis L. Emmerson, Secretary of State.

1919  County Library Law passed.  Illinois Libraries, published quarterly, issued by the Illinois Library Extension Commission.

1921  ISL Law revised establishing a ISL with three divisions - General Library Division, Library Extension Division, and Archives Division.

1922  Picture collection established.  Harriet M. Skogh, General Library Division Librarian; Anna May Price, Library Extension Division Librarian; Margaret Norton, Archives Librarian  225 tax-supported libraries.  Average salary for librarians $858 a year.

1923  228 tax-supported libraries.  The ISL moved to the third floor of the Centennial Memorial Building.

1924  237 tax-supported libraries.

1925  241 tax-supported libraries.

1927  253 tax-supported libraries.

1929  265 tax-supported libraries.

1929-1933  William J. Stratton, Secretary of State.

1932  267 tax-supported libraries.

1933  267 tax-supported libraries.

1933-1944  Edward Hughes, Secretary of State.

1934  269 tax-supported libraries.

1935  $600,000 appropriated by General Assembly for purchase of books and magazines to aid tax- supported public libraries in Illinois. Money distributed on the basis of population.  Two federal agencies were set up under the sponsorship of the ISL to offer work relief program in the field of library activities - the National Youth Administration and the Works Progress Administration.  279 tax-supported libraries.

1935-1956  Helene H. Rogers - Appointed Superintendent of Library Division.

1936  Illinois Libraries becomes a monthly publication.

1937  297 tax-supported activities.

1938  Of the 63 persons working in the ISL, 40 were certified through the Illinois Civil Service Commission.  WPA workers trained to do small mending, cleaning, and reconditioning of ISL Books - funds for rebinding not in regular ISL budget.  State Archives building dedicated. At this time Archives still a division of the ISL.  Illinois Documents Collection housed in the State Archives building.  307 tax-supported libraries.

1939  ISL law revised which laid legal foundation for a regional library system by establishing six library districts.  Superintendent of Library Division title changed to Assistant State Librarian.  General Assembly provided for an Adult Education Department.  290 Illinois Communities served by WPA library centers.  General Assembly created position of field visitor for schools.  310 tax-supported libraries.

1940  Advisory Committee on Library Service to Schools to assist in planning a program for school service of ISL.  315 tax-supported libraries.

1941  Bills passed permitting cities, villages, towns, and townships to increase their library tax rate by referendum from 1.2 mills to a maximum of 2 mills.  323 tax-supported libraries.

1942  Victory Book Campaign - sponsored by the ISL and the Illinois Library Association - donated books to be sent to the Armed Forces.  346 tax-supported libraries.

1943  Demonstration library project at Oakdale - the women's reformatory near Dwight - the first Illinois ISL project for penal and mental institutions.  State Records Commission established.  Library District Law passed.  Legislation - amendment to county library law to increase tax rate by referendum from 2/3 of a mill to 2 mills; amendment to the village library act to extend the term of library directors in villages under the commission form of govt. to 6 years.  352 tax-supported libraries.

1944  Advisory Committee of ISL submitted a plan and program of library service for the postwar period.  Recommendation 1 - to provide adequate quarters for all departments of ISL, to complete the ISL building by an addition to the unit now housing the Archives. The ground adjacent to the present unit is owned by the state.  Recommendation 2 - To inventory the complete book collection of the ISL.  Recommendation 3 - To provide for larger units of library service through the establishment of library districts in the library regions.  Recommendation 4 - Through specific cooperative means to consolidate library service in the state thus providing adequate service in a form that is more efficient and economical.  Victory Book Campaign came to a close in 1943, but ISL received permission to extend until 1944.  362 tax-supported libraries.

1944-1945  Richard Yates Rowe, Secretary of State.

1945  District Library Service Demonstration program provided library service to areas that previously had either inadequate service or none at all. An appropriation of $300,000 for the biennium was made.  370 tax-supported libraries.

1945-1953  Edward J. Barrett, Secretary of State.

1946  370 tax-supported libraries.

1947  ISL Advisory Committee expanded to include "citizen representatives" as well as librarians.  384 tax-supported libraries.

1948  "Music Box" established - a collection of recordings - later called Recordings Unit.  385 tax-supported libraries.

1949  General Assembly appropriated $10,000 for survey of ISL. Preliminary reports urged an ISL building, salary increases for professional library positions, lighting improvements, and contraction of the demonstration programs.  391 tax-supported libraries.

1950  393 tax-supported libraries.

1951−2000

1951  General Assembly made organizational changes in the ISL Advisory Committee. Staggered, six-year terms for both the librarians and citizen members were established and three permanent positions were created.  New position, Chief, Technical Services.  State Records Commission, Act of 1943 revised.  General Reference Services Section name changed to Public Services Section and Loan Desk Unit became Direct Reference Unit.  Film Distribution service of the ISL and the University of Illinois Audiovisual Aid Service program in the experimental stage.  Recordings Unit replaced the "Music Box."  396 tax-supported libraries.

1952  The complete formal report of the Survey Committee which had conducted a study of ISL received by the State Librarian.  Career file started.  396 tax-supported libraries.

1953  Reexamination of most of the fiction and reformation of the book selection policy stemming from a young teenager "obtaining a book from the ISL which was unsuitable for her." Newspapers cried "censorship" at ISL.  Staff of ISL required to read all fiction and locate three favorable reviews before book is purchased.  399 tax-supported libraries.

1953-1964  Charles F. Carpentier, Secretary of State.

1954  Four Regional Library Service Centers developed - DeKalb, Savanna, Bloomington, and Mattoon. Books for the centers were loaned from ISL for a period of three months and chosen by librarian in charge of center.  Title cards made for each topographic map in the map collection.  Separate collection of books for young people of junior and senior high school age set up. Books were designated "Y" in the call number.  A Sticker "This Book is for Adult Readers" placed in both old and new fiction.  401 tax-supported libraries.

1955  Efforts made to encourage local public libraries to serve as the liaison between all urban borrowers and ISL.  Editorship of Illinois Libraries transferred from the Extension Section to Public Services Section.  402 tax-supported libraries.

1956  Passage of the Library Services Act by the United States Congress.  ISL made a study of salaries paid professionals on the ISL staff in comparison with similar salaries paid in other states.  Reorganization making two major divisions of ISL, one for all Library Service and one for Archives and Records Management.  Regional Library Service Centers Program work only through locally established libraries - direct service not given through bookmobiles or deposits in villages.  State Records Center under the Archives Division opened.  Restoration Laboratory, equipped with a Borrows Laminator, put into operation in the Archives Division.  New Publications Unit established.  409 tax-supported libraries.

1956-1968  de Lafayette Reid appointed as Deputy State Librarian. 1957  Policy change - channeling school and individual requests through public libraries.  Policy change - Sending school materials, when no public library services the community, to school libraries or to designated authorities in the school, and not to individual teachers.  Policy change - Requiring patrons borrowing directly from ISL to present a "courtesy card" from their public librarian.  Legislation passed eliminating the possibility of double taxation where city and district libraries overlap and providing a new method of electing trustees for district libraries.  A Consultant Office for ISL established.  Appointment of a Juvenile Consultant to the Consultant Office.  Accession book abandoned and Catalog Department began to add the cost of new books to shelflist.  Theodore J. Cassady named Assistant State Archivist. Legal separation of Archives from the State Library proper, resulting in the creation of a separate Archives Division.  Publications of the State of Illinois started.  Those persons certified through the Illinois Civil Service Commission transferred to the State Personnel Code. No new employees placed under the Personnel Code until 1964.  411 tax-supported libraries.  Shipping Unit transferred from Technical Services Section to Administrative Office.

1958  Book and Periodical Reading room installed and located where the public catalog was - public catalog moved to lower level of third floor.  Illinois Documents Unit transferred to Reference Department.  New Special Services Department which includes the following units; Art, Music, Reader's and Film Service, Publications, and Service to Institutions.  Three Regional Library Centers discontinued - Bloomington, Chicago, and Mattoon.  Library Services Act Project - Warren and Henderson Counties - Warren County Library, Monmouth, extended its library service on a two-county basis into adjoining Henderson County, which was previously without local service.  Library Services Act Project - Carbondale - a State Regional Library at Southern Illinois University to serve libraries and residents of 34 counties in southern Illinois.  Library Services Act Projects - Savanna - the existing Regional Library at Savanna was expanded to full-time operating center. Collection of books loaned to several counties in area.  Library Services Act Projects - Peru Community Library - The local library at Peru served as headquarters library for ten surrounding communities and libraries without any or with inadequate service.  Library Services Act Projects - Prairie Trails - Involved two libraries located at Stillman Valley and Rochelle which agreed to cooperate to provide library service to ten towns adjacent to both.  Because of increasing cost the University of Illinois and ISL film cooperative program terminated.  An "acquisition policy for ISL" written.  Planning for the immediate future includes the "introduction of a tape-activated electric typewriter to make all catalog cards for the library and, later, the extension of catalog card service to the public libraries of the State of Illinois.  Circulation Department - a new department replacing the former Mail Reference Unit - also performed some of the functions of former Direct Reference Unit.  416 tax-supported libraries.

1959  Adult Education Consultant joined the Consultant Office.  Three film cooperatives established: Illinois Valley Film Cooperative, including seven libraries; the Northern Illinois Film Cooperative, consisting of eleven charter members; and the Rock River Valley Film Cooperative, including six member libraries.  417 tax-supported libraries.

1960  Congress voted to extend the Library Services Act for five years.  Research Consultant joined the Consultant Office.  Acquisition Policy revised.  424 tax-supported libraries. 1961  The Illinois Library Association Library Development Committee began initial in-depth discussions on the library development needs of all types of libraries.  Library Services Act Program - A Library Development Project, which provides for in-service training for librarians through use of a Library Laboratory.  Library Services Act program - A Library Research Center at the University of Illinois, created to investigate public support of libraries and cooperative practices.  Library Services Act Program - A Scholarship Program, which enables qualified applicants to attend graduate library schools.  Library Services Act Program - A Library Development Project designed to explore ways for improving the total public library picture in Illinois.  Law passed permitting interstate library compacts.  ISL Scholarship Program began.  438 tax-supported libraries.

1962  ISL's charging system is converted to electronic data processing, using equipment from the driver's license division.  Career Consultant hired.  Transition of the library's charging system to electronic data processing - ISL will make use of the electronic equipment in the Drivers License Division.  State divided into five regional areas - headquarters are: Springfield, DeKalb, Savanna, Carbondale, and Macomb. Public libraries in these areas now direct their requests to the respective regional library instead of writing to ISL.  Public Library Development Committee of ILA, with the support of ISL sponsored, a study of public libraries in Illinois - Robert Rohlf directed the study - its final report the PLDC recommended the creation of a statewide cooperative network of libraries.  459 tax-supported libraries.

1963  Documents discontinued using Dewey classification and traditional cataloging of documents. Monthly Catalog used as a subject and author guide to the collection.  State, out-of-state, and federal documents units combined to make the Documents Unit.  ISL designated a regional depository for U.S. Documents. In 1963, all documents were coordinated into a separate unit.  Technical Services Section began conversion to electronic data processing equipment.  Stack area remodeled increasing stack area by 17,700 square feet.  The Illinois Library Association adopted Library Development Plan developed by Robert Rohlf.  464 tax-supported libraries.

1964  Major weeding of out-of-state documents.  Library Development Section established. Included in this section: Adult Education, Consultant Services, Branch Libraries, and LSCA Projects.  ISL Professional Personnel placed under Personnel Code.  Reorganization of Professional Services Division - Publication Unit was incorporated into Technical Services Section.

 The Library Services Act was amended and renamed the Library Services and Construction Act.  Rural Library Services Act terminated.  470 tax-supported libraries.

1964-1965  William H. Chamberlain, Secretary of State.

1965  ISL established Library Careers Center - University of Illinois Chicago Campus.  Cataloging Unit moved to Mezzanine area.  Rules and Regulations for Library Systems and State Aid filed by State Librarian with Index Division, Secretary of State (November 1965).  Plan for Public Library Development in Illinois enacted into Law (August 1965). Legislation signed for: Equalization aid to local libraries; establishment of a network of Library Systems; and designation of four R & R Centers.  December 20th, Secretary of State Paul Powell released direct state financial aid to public libraries under the annual equalization section of law passed by the 74th General Assembly.  Illinois Library System Act enacted. Eighteen Library Systems were created by 1970.  484 tax-supported libraries.

1965-1970  Paul Powell, Secretary of State.

1966  Catalog cards made on Flexowriter machines.  496 tax-supported libraries.  Building Consultant joined the staff.  New automating program at the ISL (borrower's cards). The data processing program was the first of its kind in all states.  ISL sponsored study to be conducted by Library Research Center (University of Illinois) to determine feasibility of centralized processing for public libraries and Library Systems in Illinois.  Main reading and reference room of ISL named in honor of Dr. P. L. Windsor. Dr. Windsor was a member of the advisory committee from 1939, until moving from Illinois in 1961.  Legislative Research Unit established. A legislative research librarian joined the staff.  Amendments to LSCA added two new titles and made minor changes in Titles I and Title II.  Fifteen Library Systems organized and approved.  The first Research and Reference Centers were set up at the ISL, Chicago Public Library, and the libraries of the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University.  Illinois Library System Act Implemented.  LSCA is amended to include grant funds specifically earmarked for the improvement of library services for the blind and physically handicapped. Eight of the newly established public Library Systems in Illinois applied to be sub- regional libraries.  IBHE Master Plan calls for "Programs and Experimentation" that would allow academic libraries to "..extend accessibility to library collection through electronic devices..", "(explore) cooperative arrangements for sharing library services on a state or regional basis by all collegiate institutions, public and nonpublic", and "..find ways of pooling resources and increasing utilization of their collections and services" including using "new electronic equipment. ..to establish a network throughout the state for rapid retrieval and transmission of material from one library to another."

1967  ISL established as a depository for all Illinois state documents.  de Lafayette Reid, Deputy State Librarian, received ILA Special Librarian Award.  Trustee Consultant joined the staff.  Public catalog divided.  County library tax rate increased to 4 mills.  Eighteen Library Systems in the state.  New Public Library District Act enacted into law.  Law passed stating that ISL be a depository for all state publications.  Law passed that seven library directors be elected in villages, towns, and townships.  498 tax-supported libraries.  The ISL uses LSCA funds for Blind and Physically Handicapped Services.

1968  Policy for out-of-state documents written.  504 tax-supported libraries.

1968-1969  James F. Beasley, Acting Deputy Director of ISL.

1969  Binding Section established.  Administrator of ISL title changed from Deputy Director to Director.  Manager for Administrative Services Section joined the staff.  IBHE's Library Committee Report recommends library cooperation and automation.  Villages, Incorporated Towns, and Townships, tax ceiling may be raised from .12% up to.40% by referendum.  504 tax-supported libraries.

1969-1974  October 16 - Alphonse F. Tressa, appointed Director, ISL.

1970  ISL revised circulation policy - direct loans confined to state employees and were for work related materials only. ISL to serve rest of the state thru ILL only - loans being made not to individual schools and libraries but to the 18 systems.  Illinois Documents collection moved from Archives to Centennial Building.  ISL collections located in three buildings - Centennial, Archives, and warehouse.  Library Career Center received the Halsey W. Wilson Recruitment Award.  Abandoned the traditional Cutter-Sanborn numbers on ISL books - now have a "cutter" that is alphabetical.  Director's office of the Library Career Center moved from Chicago to Springfield.  The library adopted an automated buying system - BATAB (Baker and Taylor Automated Buying Program.)  Abandoned the dictionary catalog - now divided into author, title, and subject - also divided chronologically with 1970 providing the dividing line.  508 tax-supported libraries.

1970-1973  John W. Lewis, Secretary of State.

1971  First "Illinois Interlibrary Loan Code" published.  New State Library Act - revised and updated. Relationships with systems and local libraries clarified.  ISL charged with development of a multitype library network.  Juvenile long-term loan lending collection discontinued - 154,000 books put on indefinite loan to systems.  Consultant for Blind and Physically Handicapped and Institutions hired.  ISL public catalog and shelflist microfilmed.  Adult Education Unit discontinued - the program was absorbed into interlibrary loan function, as a special service.  Library divided into three groups - Library Development, Library Operations, and Administrative Services.  Library Systems grant increased from $15 to $18 per square mile and from $.40 to $.50 per capita of population served.  Illinois Regional Library Council established.  ISL introduced a position classification based on ALA recommendation of five professional levels, two subprofessional, and clerical.  510 tax-supported libraries.

1972  ISL Law is amended to include promotion and development of a cooperative library network of all types of libraries.  Illinois Nodes, a semimonthly publication issued.  Contracted for cardset services.  Comprehensive ISL long-range program published - Meeting the Challenge: Illinois State Library's Long-Range Program for Library Development in Illinois 1972-77.  Size and format of Illinois Libraries changed.  A Serials Holding List of Titles in ISL completed.  Library Resource Enrichment Grant Program established.  Staff Enrichment Project developed.  Filming of the University of Illinois Library catalog completed.  Index to the Transcripts of the Proceedings of the Sixth Illinois Constitutional Convention, compiled by Mary Redmond, printed.  Measures of Quality, standards for public library service, published.  528 tax-supported libraries.

1973  Michael J. Howlett, Secretary of State.  Systems included academic and special libraries in interlibrary loan service and ILLINET access.  Academic libraries join the interlibrary loan network.  Special libraries join the interlibrary loan network.  Special Program launched involving children's books - book reviewing centers set up in most systems - and ISL.  ISL Statewide Conference on Total Access to Intellectual Resources.  The first edition of the "Springfield Area Union List of Serials" issued in October.  First edition of the Public Services Manual with revisions in 1974 and 1975.  ISL becomes part of the newly created Department of Management Services of the Secretary of State.  Library Systems grant increased from $.50 to $.70 per capita of population served and from $18 to $25 per square mile of area served.  Legislative bill status information service available from ISL.  Illinois Libraries wins the H. W. Wilson Library Periodical Award.  Alphonse F. Trezza, Director of the Illinois State Library, receives the ILA Librarian Citation.  549 tax-supported libraries.

1974  The Director of the ISL recommended consideration of representation of other types of libraries on system boards.  Contract signed with OCLC for the four R & R Centers to enter the system on a trial basis.  A LSCA grant award to ISLAC funds the first three Illinois Libraries to become OCLC cataloging members: ISL, Chicago Public Library and the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign.  Converted to a minicomputer Circulation System.  John Crerar Library joined state network as a Special Resource Center.  Shared Staffing Grant Program established.  CLSI system installed.  Library Financing Subcommittee of the House Revenue Committee report on new methods of funding public libraries released (Dunn Report).  Alphonse F. Trezza named Direcctor of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science.  Kathryn J. Gesterfield named Acting Director of ISL.  Illinois/OCLC Shared Cataloging Project underway.  ISL Advisory Committee on Education and Training formed.  The ISL Task Force for Library Services to the Aging formed.  Library services to inmates and staff of correctional institutions provided.  560 tax-supported libraries.

1975  Illinois library network officially named ILLINET.  Regional Library Systems begin development of shared online circulation systems.  The Illinois OCLC users Group (IOUG) is established.  Federal Library Service and Construction (LSCA) monies enabled funding of System Interlibrary Cooperation Consultant positions.  The ISL encouraged interlibrary cooperation by making it possible for nonpublic and school libraries to join the Illinois Library and Information Network.  Establishment of an ad hoc committee "to help identify and solve the problems of converting the public Library Systems into total systems, adequately serving needs of the multitype libraries."  Kathryn J. Gesterfield, Acting Director, named Director of ISL  Entered into a program with Research Publications to film Illinois Documents on a current basis.  Illinois Library Network officially named the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET).  School libraries joined ILLINET.  Continuations, a calendar regarding in-service and continuing education activities published.  Northwestern University Library and University of Chicago Library became Special Resource Centers.  ISL School Library Advisory Committee appointed.  ISL Task Force on Improved Access to Non-Print Materials initiated.  Cooperation Collection Development Subcommittee established.  ISL Advisory Committee on Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped initiated.  ISL Academic Library Advisory Committee appointed.  Received first state appropriations for Blind and Physically Handicapped and State Institutions.  567 tax-supported libraries.

1976  Guide to Statistics in Illinois State Documents, by Mary Redmond, published.  Illinois Nodes format changed.  Procedures Manual for Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET revised).  Beginning Professional Librarian salary - $11,316 to $15,074.  ISL Advisory Committee approves position paper on Continuing Education.  ISL selected by the United States Government Printing Office as a test library to determine the usefulness of the GPO Publications Reference File.  Hugh Atkinson comes from Ohio State University to become Director of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library. He recommends that UIUC automate with LCS, the system he helped implement at OSU.  570 tax-supported libraries.

1977-1981  Alan J. Dixon, Secretary of State.

1977  The ISL begins Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) services to Illinois Libraries.  Authorization for public library per capita and construction grants added to the Illinois Library System Act (PA 79-1472).  The ISL forms the OCLC Steering Committee, an ILLINET/OCLC policy making body.  Second printed catalog of holdings of the ISL - 111 pages.  Toward Cooperative Collection Development in the Illinois Library Information Network published, several cooperative collection programs initiated.

1978  University of Illinois implements the Library Circulation System (LCS) database.  Illinois regional and state White House Conferences on Libraries and Information Services stressed need for citizen access to all resources.  UIUC implements its first computer system, LCS (Library Computer System). Brief records allow for circulation and known item searching, no subject access or keyword capabilities. Public terminals made available at UIUC for discovery.  IBHE and IACRL jointly recommend a $500,000 Higher Education and Cooperation Act funding to expand LCS to 14 additional institutions including 7 private colleges, 5 state universities, and 2 community colleges.

1979  LCS terminals installed in library system headquarters. Library Systems begin borrowing materials from UIUC library.  ILLINET libraries began using the newly developed OCLC Interlibrary Loan Subsystem.  ILA Legislative Library Development Subcommittee formed to study a revision of Illinois Library System Act in order to fund and govern Cooperative Multitype Library Organizations/Systems (COMLOS).  UIUC gets LSCA grant to purchase the WLN (Washington Library Network) software to build a catalog with full bibliographic records (FBR) using the MARC records from ILLINET OCLC data, and including at least one Illinois public library system.

1980  Funding for the statewide Radio Information Stations is secured.  Statewide delivery service begins.  LCS expanded to include 14 additional college and university libraries. Library Systems began borrowing materials from this expanded group.  Illinois Library community reactions to COMLOS concept were solicited and regional hearings on proposed revision to Illinois Library System Act held. The results were presented to ILA membership during annual conference.  Illinois Library Computer Systems Organization (ILCSO) established to advise the UI admin on the policies relating to the operation of LCS.  Statewide interlibrary delivery service begins. All LCS libraries are made delivery stops.  Triton College becomes the first non-UI library live on LCS. Inter-institutional borrowing begins, extending circulation to 12 ILCSO member libraries.

1981-1991  James Edgar, Secretary of State

1981  The ISL Advisory Committee proposes a statewide program of Blind and Physically Handicapped service. Funding is appropriated for the service.  ILA approved recommendations for revisions to System Act for voluntary conversion of Library Systems to multitype Library Systems.

1982  The Serials of Illinois Libraries Online (SILO) project begins at Northern Illinois University as an LSCA funded grant project.

1983  Illinois Library System Act revision was introduced and passed the Illinois General Assembly, June 1983, to include non-public libraries as full system members.  Library construction grants became available as part of the "Build Illinois" program.  Multitype revision of the Illinois Library System Act signed into law by Governor James Thompson, September 17.  System Rules and Regulations revised to include multitype library system structure.  Illinois Valley Library System was the first system to voluntarily convert from a cooperative public library system to a cooperative multitype library system.  Bridget L. Lamont appointed Director by Secretary of State and State Librarian Jim Edgar (June 20, 1983).

1984  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and River Bend Library System jointly developed the Full Bibliographic Record (FBR) online Catalog.  Lincoln Trail Libraries System voluntarily converted from a cooperative public library system to a cooperative multitype library system.  River Bend Library System and UIUC jointly developed the Full Bibliographic (FBR) online catalog.  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and River Bend Library System implement the Full Bibliographic Record (FBR) online catalog (based on WLN software).  Cooperative Collection Management Coordinating Committee (later ICCMP) formed.

1985  Literacy grants begin.

1987  Authorization of Illinois Literacy Act (PA 87-992).  The ISL becomes the administrative agent for SILO.  ILA/ISL jointly appointed a "Blue Ribbon" committee to review and make recommendations on the disposition of the Illinois Library System Study.

1988  Plan for Funding Automated Resource Sharing in Illinois Libraries developed by the ISL Automation Committee.  ISL Subcommittee on Library Systems appointed a Task Force on Evaluation of Library Systems to make recommendations for an evaluation process including standards of service.  ILLINET Online (IO) live. IO is an FBR catalog for all Illinois OCLC cataloging (800 libraries) with holdings, availability and circ for the ILCSO libraries (ILCSO steadily growing to 44 by 1995). 1989  Authorization for school library per capita grants added to the Illinois Library System Act (PA 86-518).  A discussion draft of Standards for Service circulated for review by the Illinois Library Community.  LSCA Title III grant awarded to Lincoln Trail Libraries System to field test selected system service standards.

1990  New Illinois State Library building is dedicated on June 20.  Standards for the Services of Illinois Multitype Library Systems approved by the ISL Advisory Committee.  The Illinois White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services was held in Chicago, followed by nine regional conferences throughout Illinois.  Illinois Library Systems celebrated their 25th anniversary.  The Linked Systems for Resource Sharing Project began as a result of a recommendation contained in the ISL's Plan for Funding Automated Resource Sharing in Illinois Libraries.  ILLINET Online implements statewide dial-access for all ILLINET libraries. ILCSO gives borrower IDs to every ILLINET library for direct ILL borrowing.

1991-1999  George H. Ryan, Secretary of State

1991  ISL goes online with ILLINET Online.  The White House Conference on Library and Information Services was held in Washington, D.C. to reflect on the way people acquire and use information.  Standards for the Services of Illinois Multitype Library Systems implemented.  Directors of the 18 Library Systems in Illinois began formal discussions on the merger and realignment of systems.  ILCSO implements Illinois Bibliographic Information Service (IBIS) for members. IBIS is a set of online journal indexes loaded and operated by ILCSO.

1992  ISL satellite videoconferences begin, based on different subject areas related to libraries, eventually reaching audiences across the globe.  Eighteen Library Systems merge into twelve between 1992-1994.  Cumberland Trail Library System disbanded and became a part of the Shawnee Library System.

1993  Libraries Very Interested in Sharing (LVIS) as a no-charge resource sharing group among 300 Illinois and Missouri OCLC member libraries.  Governor Jim Edgar signed HB 2123 (PA 88-0078) into law. Secretary of State and State Librarian George Ryan's "Live and Learn" initiative created additional revenues for Library Systems, public libraries, and school libraries.  Corn Belt, Great River, Illinois Valley, and Western Illinois Library Systems began the merger process to become one multitype library system, the Alliance Library System.

1994  The Small Public Library Management Institute began.  Live and Learn Automation Grant Program was established.  ISL began to provide OCLC FirstSearch for Illinois libraries and their patrons.

1995  Literacy grants begin.  ILCSO selects DRA (commercial) software to replace LCS and FBR. Decision made to stop loading all ILLINET OCLC data, later leads to name change from ILLINET Online to I-Share.

1996  Publication of the HBW final report entitled, Vision 1996: A Plan for Illinois Library Systems in the Next Decade. The report laid the basis for development of a formal program for system evaluation, including the establishment of minimum standards.  In March, ILSDO approved the "Linking LLSAPs" goal of "Seamless searching and reserving for all Illinois citizens on Illinois databases. LLSAP stands for Local Library System Automation Project.

1997  Educate and Automate Automation/Technology grants begin.  The ISL signed a contract with OCLC to set all LLSAP holdings in WorldCat.  Secretary of State and State Librarian George Ryan's "Educate and Automate Automation/Technology Grant" initiative created additional revenues for libraries in Illinois.  In January, ISL created ILLINET 2000: A Resource Sharing System for the 21st Century discussion document.  Staff from seven regional Library Systems attended WebZ training at Lewis and Clark Library System in May and discussed project implementation for the Virtual Illinois Catalog (VIC).  In June, seven of the regional systems receive WebZ servers and licenses through Live and Learn grant money to make their LLSAP databases available over the Internet.  In July, ISL and OCLC sign a contract stipulating that all libraries in Illinois using OCLC-derived bibliographic records must become OCLC General Members-Tapeloaders in accordance with the Guidelines for the Use and Transfer of OCLC-derived Records.

1998  In January, the E-Rate Program began its first funding cycle, which ran through June 1999.  North Suburban Library System, Suburban Library System, and Lewis and Clark Library System developed the first version of VIC 1.0 on SiteSearch v.3.0 over the winter.  In March, VIC was demonstrated for the Illinois Library System Directors Organization (ILSDO), and the remaining five regional systems received Live and Learn grant money for WebZ servers and licenses.  The Federal Library Services and Construction Act was replaced with the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).  ILLINET Online migrated to Data Research Center software for its Online Catalog. The holdings reflected in IO no longer include holdings of all OCLC libraries in IL because those are available via FirstSearch and VIC.  The newly rewritten VIC on a recently upgraded platform was demonstrated for ILCSO and Policy Council; they commit to joining VIC as their second priority.

1999-  Jesse White, Secretary of State 1999  Illinois Century Network formed.  VIC (Virtual Illinois Catalog) and Find-It! Illinois announced to library community.  ISL establishes Cataloging Maintenance Centers (CMCs) at three Library Systems to promote standardized practices.  Every Library in Illinois (ELI) debuts, serving as the online directory of Illinois libraries. ELI data now serve as the basis for the Library Learning (L2) site.  E-rate program begins in Illinois.  The ILLINET/OCLC Batchload Project begins for the LLSAPs.  Jean E. Wilkins appointed Director by Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White (February 1, 1999).  The P|PE Interface committee's report on the VIC project announced that VIC/WebZ would be "totally live" by April 5.  The Gates Foundation announced that Illinois had been selected to participate in its US Library Program of state partnerships for public libraries in low-income communities as determined by the 1999 U.S. Census.  Lincoln Trail Libraries System became the first system LLSAP to complete the initial batchload.  VIC was launched for the public in October 1999 at the annual Illinois Library Association (ILA) Conference. VIC became one centralized site from which online users could search the holdings of 600 Illinois libraries.  The Illinois Century Network (ICN) was formed by PA 91-21 and signed into law by Governor George H. Ryan on June 8, 1999. The ICN is the telecommunications backbone that provides high-speed access.  Find-It! Illinois was unveiled at the annual ILA Conference by Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White.

2000  LibraryU, an online continuing education effort of four regional Library Systems, debuts.  New services join Find-It! Illinois: Illinois Digital Archives, Illinois Authors, and the Talking Book and Braille Service.  Find-It! Illinois - Illinois Digital Archives service.  Cataloging Maintenance Centers (CMC) were established.  The Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped moves from the Chicago Public Library to the ISL.  On May 27, The North Suburban Library System retrospective batchload was completed at OCLC, the first using the MARC of Quality (TMQ).  Northern Illinois Library System retrospective batchload was completed at OCLC.  The Alliance Library System, DuPage Library System, Shawnee Library System and Lewis and Clark Library System retrospective batchloads were complete OCLC in June.  In August, Consortial Load 1 consisting of 4,645,959 records from seven Library Systems were sent to The MARC of Quality (TMQ), a MARC record processing company.  The ICN offered free installation and covered costs for monthly telecommunications charges to Illinois public libraries to encourage participation.  The ISL established two Cataloging Maintenance Centers (CMC's) at River Bend Library System and Lincoln Trail Libraries System to "promote the standardization of practices toward the goal of improved bibliographic access and to maximize resource sharing."  LibraryU debuted, started by four regional Illinois Library Systems, Lewis and Clark , River Bend, Shawnee, and Suburban using version 3.5 of the WebCT software.  The River Bend Library System retrospective batchload was completed at OCLC in October.  The Rolling Prairie Library System retrospective batchload was completed at OCLC on July 1.

2001−

2001  First annual Try-It! Illinois online electronic database trials in October and November.  "zILLANE" final report issued (known as Illinois Library Resources and Automation in the Network Environment: An Analysis and Recommended Strategies).  A new Find-It! Illinois interface was unveiled with two new services, Illinois Digital Archives (IDA) and Illinois Authors Wiki.  The Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS) increased access to the service by joining VIC.  The Heritage Trail Library System and Suburban Library System retrospective batchloads were completed at OCLC in September.  The Illinois State Library launched the first annual Try-It! Illinois cooperative online electronic database trials October through November.  The zILLANE Final Report was issued in October with a call for feedback. The report contained detailed recommendations for improving practices at Illinois Library Systems.  The teleconference to inform and educate concerning ELI was telecast on November 7.  The November consortial load 5 sent 8,048,392 records to TMQ. All loads to date totaled 27,808,877 records. Three percent of all WorldCat holdings came from Illinois batchloading project.  Gates Foundation award letters and checks were mailed to public libraries in December. In 2002, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded over $3.8 million dollars to bring Internet connectivity and technology access to Illinois public libraries.  The ICN was cited as a major contributing factor to Illinois, receiving a first place ranking for educational use of technology in the 2002 Digital State Survey.  ILCSO selects Endeavor Voyager to replace DRA Classic. ILCSO has 44 participating libraries.  Illinois Digital Archives Library (IDAL) established at UI to provide vendor-hosted e-resource access to all Illinois academic libraries.

2002  OCLC Group Catalog and QuestionPoint pilot projects begin.  ILLINET/OCLC Services institutes group services flat rate pricing for Illinois libraries.  ISL began offering a special grant collected from various Veteran's license fees to the four Illinois Veteran's Homes libraries.  The Preserving Electronic Publications (PEP) project began to harvest State of Illinois websites as a "safety net" protecting against loss of public information as online information changed. PEP was funded by a National Leadership Grant from IMLS.  My Web Librarian merged the Alliance Library System's "Ready for Reference" and the NSLS's "Answers Unlimited" with the intention of becoming a first-rate and sustainable model for multi-type multi-system digital reference collaboration.  ISL began to spider grantee digitizing projects.  ELI was launched for the public on the Find-It! Illinois portal.  The Gates Foundation staff completed installations of computers in Illinois public libraries.  The FY03 School Library per capita applications were completed online through ELI for the first time.  Illinois libraries and systems began participation in the OCLC Illinois Group Catalog Service pilot project, a nine-month initiative to allow libraries and consortia to provide end user services through a union catalog based on WorldCat.  VIC had its busiest month in October, 2002 with 25,080 web pages displayed.  A registration period opened for cost-sharing of some commercial electronic databases through the E-Rich program.  The zILLANE Final Report was issued in October with a call for feedback. The report contained detailed recommendations for improving practices at Illinois Library Systems.

2003  On June 6, the Illinois State Library building was officially rededicated and named in honor of late Pulitzer Prize winner and Illinois Poet Laureate Gwendolyn Brooks.  Illinois Diversity Program begins focus on diversifying programs in the library community.  Illinois Citizens' Library of Illinois -- Comprehensive Knowledge Service (Illinois CLICKS!) organized and began to recruit librarians to select quality Internet resources for inclusion in an information portal for Illinois citizens.  The OCLC Question Point Pilot Project linked Illinois Libraries in collaborative virtual reference service via email or chat formats.  A total of 468 libraries, library branches and Library Systems were connected to the ICN, not counting school or academic libraries.  1,864 Illinois libraries have contributed holdings to OCLC WorldCat. At least 9,660,605 records have been contributed to WorldCat from Illinois libraries.

2004  The Statewide Illinois library Catalog (SILC) debuts.  Twelve Library Systems merge into ten. Chicago Public Library System is created (one of the ten).  The Illinois Veterans' History Project (IVHP) begins.  Mike Ragen appointed Acting Director.

2005-2013  CARLI e-resource programs grow from $4.2 to $13.7m per year. 2005  ILCSO, IDAL and ICCMP merge to form Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI).  Anne B. Craig appointed Director by Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White (May 1, 2005).

2006  "AskAway" virtual reference project begins.  CARLI implements CONTENTdm as the CARLI digital collections.

2007  CARLI joins the eXtensible Catalog (XC) project.

2008  ILDS, the statewide delivery backbone, is reorganized. CARLI contracts for service beginning in January.  CARLI implements VuFind, an open source catalog interface.  ILDS, the statewide delivery backbone, is reorganized. CARLI contracts for service beginning in January. Funded by grant from SOS/ISL.

2011  Ten Library Systems merge into three: Chicago, Illinois Heartland, and Reaching Across Illinois Library System.

2013  The statewide ebooks program, "eRead Illinois," debuts. The "Patron Driven Acquisitions" project at the Chicago Public Library also debuts.  Annual online library certification for libraries of all types begins January 1 through March 31.  Statewide multitype committees convene to update the ILLINET Interlibrary Loan Code (last revision 2008) and to address delivery practices.  CARLI begins planning for I-Share Next. I-Share has 86 participating libraries.