A Planned Legacy : The Tradition of Endowment Funds Benefitting the UW – Madison Libraries
The University of Wisconsin – Madison Libraries have been the beneficiaries of the foresight of numerous individuals , families , foundations , and companies that have established endowed funds at the UW Foundation . While each fund is unique in its own right , they are similar in that they provide a sustainable and regular stream of support for the UW – Madison Libraries .
There are over 50 endowment funds supporting the Libraries . The focus of each fund is based on the interests of the donor and the donor ’ s wishes in addressing a specific need of the Libraries . Funds range from supporting collection development to preservation , cataloging , digitization , engagement , and general or student support .
“ Endowment funds provide predictable , independent support that is critical to the ongoing operation of the Libraries ,” said Ed Van Gemert , Vice Provost for Libraries and University Librarian . “ Typically , patrons think endowed funds are only for scholarships or faculty chairs . Donors are pleased to learn that almost any area of the Libraries can be supported through an endowed fund . The Libraries are currently interested in increasing endowment funds for staff positions , facilities , and collections .”
Doug Way , Associate University Librarian for Collections and Research Services , commented , “ Our librarians are often presented with last-minute opportunities to secure unique and rare books and materials . The collection endowments give them the flexibility to pursue these items . We are fortunate to have had so many donors who established funds to help us build deep and rich collections .”
While each fund has its own story and focus , here are brief descriptions of three endowment funds that support the UW – Madison Libraries :
University Book Store Our longtime neighbor , the University Book Store , established the University Book Store Undergraduate College Library Fund in 1991 , in honor of its 100th anniversary . The fund was established with a $ 100,000 gift . Since then , the annual interest from the gift has provided $ 159,000 . The Fund itself has grown to over $ 180,000 and provides approximately $ 8,100 to College Library each year .
Most of these funds directly support the recreational collections in the Open Book Café , which include genre fictions , graphic novels , travel books , video games , DVDs , and programming to support student interests . Carrie Kruse , director of College Library , said that , “ libraries have a role in promoting reading in any form , so we are thrilled to be able to provide books simply for the joy of reading . Students appreciate having materials for their extra-curricular interests also available to them in the academic library . Having gift funds available to purchase recreational titles makes it clear that this is not in competition for the funds that are necessary to purchase books that support academic research or scholarly journal subscriptions .”
Lyndon King Allin Fund The family of Lyndon King Allin , ’ 63 , established a fund in his honor after his death in 2000 . Allin ’ s grandfather was the proprietor of the former Brown ’ s Books on the 600 block of State Street . Allin , a Madisonian known to all as Mort Allin , was a great lover of books , and this family tradition inspired the creation of the fund . Allin served as an advisor to Presidents Nixon , Reagan , and Ford , a role that was greatly enhanced by his deep curiosity and love of reading .
Ben Strand , Director of Development
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