Angeline Vernon Milner University Librarian (Dean) Papers, 1896-2005 | Dr. JoAnn Rayfield Archives at Illinois State University

By Ashley and Anthony Huffines

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Collection Overview

Title: Angeline Vernon Milner University Librarian (Dean) Papers, 1896-2005

Predominant Dates:1911-1912

ID: AA/IAI19XX_136

Primary Creator: Milner, Angeline Vernon (1856-1928)

Extent: 1.09 Linear Feet

Arrangement: The Angeline Vernon Milner University Librarian (Dean) Papers is arranged into five series by material type. The first series contains mostly photocopied material used to create a biography of Milner. Series II holds correspondence written and received by Milner as part of an information gathering project she headed in 1912. Series III includes materials related to library administrative duties during her time as the university's first librarian. Series IV contains notebooks holding the library lecture notes she created. Series V holds copies of a photograph and two pieces of ephemera.

Subjects: Illinois State Normal University - Faculty., Milner, Angeline Vernon, 1856-1928 - Correspondence., Milner, Ange V. (Angeline Vernon), 1856-1928, Milner Library - Management.

Languages: English

Abstract

The Angeline Vernon Milner University Librarian (Dean) Papers contain materials pertaining to the first library director at Illinois State University. The papers include biographical information, correspondence between libraries, Milner Library statistics, lecture notebooks, photographs, and ephemera.

Scope and Contents of the Materials

Series I: Biographical Materials, 2005, contains mostly photocopied materials pertaining to the life of Angeline Vernon Milner. These materials were used to create a biography of her life.

Series II: Correspondence, 1896, 1912, 1919, 1925 holds letters written and received by Milner, particularly during her information gathering project on library access in 1912.

Series III: Library Administration, c. 1900, 1911-1912, 1923, undated, includes materials pertaining to the administration of the library during Milner's time as the university librarian.

Series IV: Class Lectures, c. 1900, contains notebooks with lectures that Milner created on using the library.

Series V: Photographs and Ephemera, undated, holds copies of a photograph showing Milner working at her desk. This series also holds two pieces of ephemera related to the university.

Collection Historical Note

Angeline "Ange" Milner was born in Bloomington, Illinois on April 9, 1856. Milner was the first of six children for John Vernon Milner and Angeline Baker Milner. Primarily educated at home, Milner attended Bloomington High School but never graduated. She was later hired by the Illinois State Library of Natural History - then located in Old Main on the campus of Illinois State Normal University - to organize and catalog the many specimens, artifacts, and books in their collections. In 1889, the university's literary societies agreed to combine their large and scattered library collections into one university collection. Thus, in 1890, the university's third president, Edwin Hewett, hired Milner to be the first university librarian. Milner and the library collection were located in Old Main, in the hub of student education and activities. Though known for having strict rules in the library, Milner had a quick wit and called herself outspoken. Milner always offered help to all campus community members and would clip articles or hold books for students and faculty who were working on certain projects. During her tenure as university librarian, Milner helped found the Illinois Library Association and served as its president. Milner also developed classes for students to take in learning how to better use the library. It was also during her tenure as university library that Milner moved the first university library from Old Main to North Hall where students had more study space and better access to materials. Milner was beloved by the ISNU community and students referred to her as 'Ange' or 'Aunt Ange'. Milner served as the university librarian until 1927 when poor health forced her to retire. Milner died at her home on January 13th, 1928 and was buried in Evergreen Cemetery. In 2006, on Milner's 150th birthday, the university and Milner Library placed a commemorative tombstone at her grave site.

Biographical Note

Angeline Vernon Milner was the first librarian of Illinois State University and namesake of the current campus library. Served from 1890 to 1927.

Subject/Index Terms

Illinois State Normal University - Faculty.
Milner, Angeline Vernon, 1856-1928 - Correspondence.
Milner, Ange V. (Angeline Vernon), 1856-1928
Milner Library - Management.

Administrative Information

Repository: Dr. JoAnn Rayfield Archives at Illinois State University

Access Restrictions: The entire collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions: Materials held by the Dr. JoAnn Rayfield Archives are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

Acquisition Method: Materials in this collection were held in the Milner Library collection until they were processed as a separate collection in 2013. Most materials in the Milner Library collection were transferred to the newly created University Archives in the 1970's. Some materials have since been added by University Archives staff.

Related Materials:

Edwin C. Hewett Presidential Papers, Dr. JoAnn Rayfield Archives, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois.

Records of Milner Library, Dr. JoAnn Rayfield Archives, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois.

World War I Illinois State Normal University Military and Community Service Records, Dr. JoAnn Rayfield Archives, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois.

Preferred Citation: Angeline Vernon Milner University Librarian (Dean) Papers, Dr. JoAnn Rayfield Archives, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois.

Processing Information: Materials were placed in acid free folders and boxes. Paper clips were removed.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Series:

[Series I: Biographical Materials, 2005.],
[Series II: Correspondence, 1896, 1912, 1919, 1925.],
[Series III: Library Administration, c. 1900, 1903, 1906, 1909, 1911-1912, 1923, 1924.],
[Series IV: Class Lectures, c. 1900.],
[Series V: Photographs and Ephemera, undated.],
[All]

Series I: Biographical Materials, 2005.

Series I contains information about the life of Angeline Milner. Included in this series is a biographical essay, a copy of her last will and testament, newspaper clippings, and census records. These materials, largely photocopies, were collected in the early 2000's in an effort to create a biography of Milner.

Box 1

Folder 1: Biographical Essay, 2005.
Folder 2: Last Will and Testament, undated.
Folder 3: Newspaper Clippings and Vidette Articles, undated.
Folder 4: Census/Laura Milner Records, undated.