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Research Grants
The John “Bud”Velde Visiting Scholars Program
The Rare Book & Manuscript Library at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign is the University’s principal repository of early printing, rare editions and manuscripts—ancient and modern. Since 2006, the Velde Visiting Scholar program has provided financial support to researchers needing to do close work within these renowned collections.
This competitive award program was established by the estate of John E. “Bud” Velde, Jr. (1917-2002), a longtime friend of the Library and rare book scholarship. Among his many contributions to the Library were the seven-millionth volume, the 1486 edition of Breydenbach’s Peregrinatio in Terram Sanctam (Journey to the Holy Land) in 1986, and the eight-millionth volume, Frank Lloyd Wright’s The House Beautiful (1896/97). He also made a considerable contribution to the Audubon Folio Restoration Project in 1987 and established a generous endowment fund in 1999.
The research strengths of the Rare Book & Manuscript Library are manifold, from medieval to early modern studies. Noteworthy areas of strength include; early printing and printing history; Elizabethan life and letters; John Milton and his age; emblem studies; economic history; works on early science and natural history; and the papers of modern literary figures such as Carl Sandburg, H.G. Wells, William Maxwell, and W.S. Merwin.
AWARDS
Two John “Bud” Velde awards are given annually to facilitate a period of extended individual study (usually one month or more) in The Rare Book & Manuscript Library at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.
ELIGIBILITY
The program is open to all active scholars from graduate students to retired professors. The awards are intended, especially, to help defray the costs of travel and living expenses for scholars from outside the region.
TERMS OF THE AWARD
Each award consists of a stipend of $3,000 to help cover the costs associated with undertaking such a period of study.
Recipients are responsible for making their own travel and housing arrangements, though information about campus housing will be provided.
The Rare Book & Manuscript Library staff will offer an orientation meeting and a tour of the Library. Assistance in using the Library’s collections will be available throughout the study period.
The month–long study period may be scheduled at any time during the year from 15 May of the year in which the award is made through 30 April of the following year.
OBLIGATIONS
Visiting Scholars are expected to conduct their research primarily in The Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
Visiting Scholars must reside on campus or within a short driving distance during the award period.
If the Visiting Scholar publishes material directly resulting from the study period, the Library will appreciate acknowledgment of the award's benefit as well as copies of the publication(s) for our collection.
Within one year of the library visit, John “Bud” Velde Visting Scholars should send a brief written report (1–2 pages) to the Head of The Rare Book & Manuscript Library and describe the extent of the research conducted and its place in the Scholar's project.
OTHER OPPORTUNTIES ON CAMPUS
Visiting Scholars may arrange with departments to offer a lecture or workshop during the award period. Opportunities also exist for informal discussions with students and faculty.
APPLICATION & DEADLINES
The application process for one of the 2008-09 awards is now closed. When the call for 2009–10 awards goes out (usually the first week of January), applicants will be invited to send the following information to the address below:
• Curriculum vitae
• A research proposal no more than two pages in length
• Two supporting letters (under separate cover) from professional and/or academic references addressing the merits of your proposal (please include names, addresses, email, and telephone numbers)
Send applications to:
Dennis Sears, Public Programs Manager
The Rare Book & Manuscript Library
University of Illinois Library, Room 346
1408 West Gregory Drive
Urbana, IL 61801
USA
Or email Dennis at: dsears@uiuc.edu.
The selection committee will be comprised of four University of Illinois faculty members. Alvan Bregman, Curator of Rare Books, chairs the selection committee.
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