The faculty and staff of Butler Libraries work to advance the academic mission of the University by providing expertise, resources, and services that stimulate learning. We work to support teaching and scholarship, to promote the ethical use and creation of information, and to preserve the intellectual heritage and history of Butler University while preparing undergraduate students to navigate a complex information environment.
In 2023 under new Dean of Libraries Josh Petrusa, we developed a new strategic plan, focusing our work on four strategic directions. We ask for your support as we increase our attention on the following areas:
Marketing, Awareness, and Outreach
We’ve started new event series at Irwin Library in 23-24, so far including a panel discussion during Banned Books Week (officially, we’re against the idea), and a new monthly Film Series. Your gifts help us bring in guest speakers and provide snacks for students attending our events, as we aim to combat apathy and highlight creativity.
Strengthening and Developing Services and Collections
We bought too many books in the past, and now we’re trying to get it just right, including The Fortnightly Literary Book Collection, a partnership with the Black Affairs Hub centered on Black authors across multiple genres. We’re adding more new popular reading materials based on student feedback, and student-designed book displays in Irwin Library aimed at spreading the joy of reading (outside your coursework). Your gifts help us purchase new books to support student curiosity within and beyond the curriculum.
Archival Work
Irwin Library has long hosted a University Archives collection, and we aim to expand our role in preserving and documenting the history of Butler. We’ve already digitized our collection of yearbooks and newspapers, but recently added a digital collection celebrating the history of Butler’s Department of Theatre. Your gifts help us digitize and protect materials obtained from university departments and alumni as we preserve and share Butler’s story for future generations.
Space Considerations
The Science Library received a long overdue renovation in 2021 (don’t worry, it’s still super quiet), and we’re turning attention next to Irwin Library, which turned 60 years old in Fall 2023. We’re aiming to energize and enhance the environment, refreshing student spaces while also increasing the infrastructure needed for Special Collections and archives to store and digitize collections. Your gifts help us maintain and protect one of Butler’s architectural gems (and its fountain) as a place of study, inspiration, and collaboration.
Featured Library Challenge:
We at Butler Libraries have long discouraged jumping in the Irwin fountain for a variety of reasons, but we’re ready to make a compromise for the Class of 2024. If Butler Libraries receives 50 gifts across Day of Giving 2024, we will host an event at Irwin ahead of Commencement Weekend in May where you can have your graduation photos taken in the Irwin fountain. Library staff and faculty will volunteer to monitor the event and keep everyone safe, and the Class of 2024 can be the first to have an approved Irwin fountain photo opportunity – if the Butler community can come through on Day of Giving.
