National Medal for Museum and Library Service

On July 17, University Librarian and McKnight Presidential Professor Wendy Pradt Lougee accepted the National Medal for Museum and Library Service on behalf of the University of Minnesota Libraries.

The award is from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the federal agency that provides support to the nation’s museums and libraries. The ceremony took place in the National Archives in Washington, D.C., and featured Cokie Roberts, Journalist and Commentator for National Public Radio and ABC News. 

Lougee was accompanied by Jennifer Gunn, History of Medicine Endowed Professor and Director of the U of M’s Institute for Advanced Study. Gunn and others discuss the value the University Libraries brings to campus and to the broader community in the video below: 

U of M Libraries Day and Star Tribune editorial

In honor of winning the National Medal, Gov. Mark Dayton proclaimed Monday, July 17, as University of Minnesota Libraries Day in Minnesota. 

University President Eric Kaler read the proclamation at a celebratory event on July 19 and added: “You — our Libraries leadership and staff — own a remarkable record of serving Minnesota and a global community of students and scholars. … You are truly worthy of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Congratulations and thank you all for all you do for the University of Minnesota.”

Also, a July 17 Star Tribune editorial affirmed the comprehensive and vital role the Libraries plays in providing the “fundamental infrastructure for our information-based economy.”

A few highlights of our work …

StoryCorps comes to campus in September

In September, StoryCorps will spend three days on campus recording conversations of 15 pairs of community members and Libraries staff discussing the Libraries’ impact on their work and lives.