Who We Are

Mission Statement
To provide the strongest
collections for the support of
university programs.

Origin
Via niu.edu/libraries

Quick Links:
http://www.sfsu.edu/~multsowk/
title/488.htm
http://healthland.time.com/2013/
03/25/how-cultural-stereotypeslure-women-away-from-careersin-science/
http://www.sfsu.edu/~multsowk/
title/488.htm

Founders Memorial Library is

named after the founders of
the university. The message
conveyed is one of a rich
history and how our identity is
still shaped by our past and
the importance of artifacts.

Contact Us
Phone: 815-753-1995
Email: lib-admin@niu.edu
Hours: (M-F) 7:30am-midnight
(Sat) 9am-10pm
Web: www.ulib.niu.edu

FOUNDERS
MEMORIAL
LIBRARY

FOUND
ERS
MEMO
RIAL
LIBRAR
Lauren Swanson,
Shalonda Lane,
Gavin Engle, and
Brandy McCaskill

Reading Strategies- A sign that

is only displayed in the library, and
it suggests that coming to the
Library will aid you in becoming a
better scholar and student. This is
also one of the only posters that we
can recall around the campus
relating to this topic. It reiterates
the fact that the library will help
you become successful
academically.

Art/ Graffiti- Elegy means a

poem of serious reflection.
Reflecting on your education and
how studying increasing your
success at the collegiate level.

What
Messages are
associated
with the
artifacts?
NISNS Mosaic and
Founders Plaque- Northern
Illinois State Normal School
established in 1899 (an off shoot
of Illinois State Normal School
downstate). When Northern was
first established, it was a teachers
college for women. Founders
Memorial Library is named after
the founders of the university.

Student Career Success- On

the front of the building, signaling

The piece of Abraham Lincoln

consisted of many different images
of people from all ethnic diverse
background to create his face like a
mosaic. Lincoln is known for the
abolishing slavery. Having a mosaic
style picture of him consisting of
different images speaks volumes to
the inclusivity and feeling of
belonging of all in the environment.

Physical Accessibility-The nonverbal message that is being

communicated is that NIUs Library
doesnt accommodate all of its
students. Retro-fitting which send
the message that individuals with
disabilities, height limitations
and/or other issues are not
important enough to make a
universal all inclusive design.

Front of library depicts gender roles

Recommendati
ons
What is done well:
1. The outside area is not
closed off anymore (was
under construction)
2. Downstairs lounge area is
welcoming and provides a
sense of community
3. Visible signage with braille is
displayed
4. Elevators, escalators and
stairs allows each floor to be
accessible to all
5. Help desks are visible in
convenient areas

What needs to be improved:

1. More easily accessible drop
boxes
2. Wider/easy to open entry
doors
3. Wider escalators (if possible)