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November 9, 2000

Hillman Foundation grant funds endowed ULS chair

A $2.5 million grant from The Hillman Foundation, Inc. has established an endowed chair for the University librarian and director of the University Library System (ULS).

The grant is part of Pitt's capital campaign. The University is hoping to raise $500 million by July 2003 to support its academic and research programs and facilities needs.

Rush Miller, head of Pitt's ULS, will be the first incumbent of the Hillman chair, one of only a handful of similar endowed librarian chairs at universities throughout the country.

"World-class universities have world-class libraries, and we have been impressed with the steps that the University of Pittsburgh has taken to respond with innovative technological solutions to the changing and increasing needs of library patrons," said Ronald W. Wertz, president of The Hillman Foundation. "We have confidence in Rush Miller and the University and their ability to respond positively to the increasing demands in higher education and in library services, and we are pleased to help support those important efforts."

"Everyone at Pitt is proud of the fact that the Hillman name is so prominently associated with our University Library System," Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg said. "Library strength is critical to the work of both faculty members and students, particularly in a research university. Here at Pitt, we are blessed with both a wonderful collection and with world-class library leadership. This endowed chair signals the importance that we place on our libraries, and better positions us to meet the ever increasing information needs of the scholarly community."

The University's collections total more than 7.8 million items and more than 26,000 periodical subscriptions. The collection of electronic resources includes hundreds of databases, more than 2,000 electronic journal titles, and over 1,500 electronic books.

Hundreds of on-line databases and full-text sources now are accessible from the University's 16 library locations and from remote locations, including residence halls, offices and homes.

Filed under: Feature,Volume 33 Issue 6

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