Who are the Friends / Purpose
All donors to the Libraries — regardless of fund or gift type — are considered to be Friends of the University of Minnesota Libraries.
The Friends of the Libraries Board of Directors consists of up to 24 members at a time. Members of this all-volunteer Board include: University faculty and staff; people from a diverse range of communities, including the arts, business, and service organizations; authors and the literary community; and people with development experience. Additionally, one seat on the Board is occupied by a University Libraries staff member.
The purpose of the Board of Directors is as follows:
- To promote awareness of the University of Minnesota Libraries by advocating for the Libraries and its initiatives, and by working to increase recognition of the Libraries’ major role in achieving the mission of the University through teaching, research and outreach throughout the state, region and internationally;
- To foster the development of the Libraries’ resources;
- To engage in activities and events to further these causes;
- To intentionally engage with traditionally underserved communities; and
- To assist the Libraries’ staff in serving the Libraries’ mission.
Grants and Awards
Each year, the Friends sponsor staff development grants and outstanding library student employee awards.
Staff Development Grant Awards
- The Friends provide financial support to two Libraries staff members — up to $1,000 each — for professional development that enhances their expertise and contributes to making the Libraries an even better place.
- We welcome proposals that demonstrate a significant opportunity for professional enrichment but which fall outside general funding opportunities from the Libraries.
- View a list of previous Staff Development Grant award winners.
Outstanding Library Student Employee Awards
- The Outstanding Library Student Employee Award ($500/each) is given to three exemplary Libraries students per year. These nominations come from staff members, who are encouraged to nominate Libraries student employees who exceed regular job expectations and make unique contributions to the Libraries.
- Any staff member of the Libraries may submit a nomination.
- Meet the 2023 Outstanding Library Student Employee award winners.
Learn more about these annual award opportunities.
Borrowing privileges
Friends of the Libraries borrowing privileges allows for limited borrowing of physical materials and from public workstations at any Twin Cities campus library, including onsite unlimited access to electronic journals, magazines, and newspaper subscriptions. These users cannot access electronic resources remotely, and cannot use Interlibrary Loan & Digital Delivery.
These users can:
- borrow up to 50 items at a time,
- borrow long-term loans for up to three months, with an initial six-week loan period,
- request materials through Get It (cannot request directly from the catalog; users contact us to request materials), and
- use electronic resources on-site without a time limit.
The Friends of the Libraries borrowing card requires an annual donation. The minimum contribution levels for borrowing privileges are:
- Individuals
- $80 per year base rate
- $40 per year for University of Minnesota Alumni Association members
- $30 for recently graduated UMN students, within one year
- Organizations
- $250 per year base rate
- $80 per year for nonprofit organizations
Events and outreach
Each year, the Friends of the Libraries sponsor a vibrant events series, the Friends Forum: A Series for Curious Minds, which brings speakers and performers to campus. This event series strives to align with Libraries Priorities and outreach to highlight Libraries services and collections. Events are open to everyone — on campus and in the community — and most of our events are free of charge. Take a look at the 2022-2023 season Friends Forum events, and view recordings of additional past events.