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Hesburgh Libraries

Renovation of the Hesburgh Library

The main Hesburgh Library, with its iconic mosaic façade of the Word of Life, is one of the most recognizable landmarks on campus. It is also one of the most influential of all University facilities, as the resources and services housed within are utilized by every student and faculty member on campus, in addition to scholars from around the world. Yet, the library was built in 1963 for a collection just one quarter of the current size. Funding through Spirit of Notre Dame will permit the University to renovate its famed library to meet the challenges of growing collections and rapidly expanding technologies.

How can I help? The campaign seeks expendable gifts in support of the renovation of the Hesburgh Library. Naming opportunities at a variety of giving levels exist, as do special “Library Within a Library” opportunities that would allow the benefactor to name an entire unit of the library with a gift of $5 million.

Endowed Collections and Services

In spite of millions of volumes and an ambitious acquisition plan, the Hesburgh Libraries must continue to work diligently to keep pace with the information needs of Notre Dame students and faculty. New and expanding academic programs, coupled with the University’s renewed emphasis on research, require a concurrent growth in library collections and services.

How can I help? Endowments for library collections and services may be created at the following giving levels: Named ($100,000), Prize ($250,000), Distinguished ($500,000), Presidential ($1 million), and Premier ($5 million).

Endowed Librarians

The Hesburgh Libraries stand to benefit immeasurably from the distinguished leadership that endowed librarian positions attract. Spirit of Notre Dame seeks endowed positions in the following collection areas: Catholic Americana, Irish studies, Latin American studies, theology and philosophy, biological sciences, engineering, business, information literacy, and special collections.

How can I help? Librarianships may be endowed at the following levels: Named ($100,000), Prize ($250,000), Distinguished ($500,000), Presidential ($1 million), and Premier ($5 million).

Librarian-in-Residence Program

Spirit of Notre Dame seeks a permanent endowment to support the Librarian-in-Residence Program, which brings talented new librarians from ethnic groups traditionally under-represented in the academy to lead specific collection areas in the Hesburgh Libraries.

How can I help? The program may be endowed with a gift of $1 million. It could also be supported through several smaller Endowments for Excellence, which begin at the $100,000 level.

Questions? Please contact us at spirit@nd.edu.