The Grainger Engineering Library Info Center, located at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is a premier resource for engineering students, faculty, and researchers. With a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources, the library provides unparalleled support for the engineering community. As a hub for innovation and discovery, the Grainger Engineering Library Info Center plays a vital role in fostering collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking among its users.
Key Points
- The Grainger Engineering Library Info Center offers a comprehensive collection of engineering resources, including over 500,000 volumes and 2,000 journals.
- The library provides access to cutting-edge digital tools and software, such as MATLAB, SolidWorks, and Autodesk Inventor.
- Users can take advantage of individual and group study spaces, including quiet areas, collaboration rooms, and multimedia-equipped presentation rooms.
- The library's expert staff offers research assistance, instructional support, and technology help, ensuring that users can effectively navigate and utilize the available resources.
- The Grainger Engineering Library Info Center is committed to providing inclusive and accessible services, including accommodations for users with disabilities and language support for international students.
History and Evolution of the Grainger Engineering Library

The Grainger Engineering Library has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Established in 1918, the library was initially housed in the Mechanical Engineering Building and had a collection of just over 1,000 volumes. Over the years, the library has undergone significant transformations, including a major expansion in the 1950s and a relocation to its current building in 1994. Today, the Grainger Engineering Library Info Center is a state-of-the-art facility, designed to meet the evolving needs of the engineering community.
Collection Development and Management
The Grainger Engineering Library’s collection is carefully curated to support the academic and research needs of the engineering community. The library’s collection development policy is guided by the principles of relevance, quality, and accessibility. With a strong focus on emerging technologies and interdisciplinary research, the library’s collection includes a wide range of materials, from traditional print resources to digital databases and online journals. The library’s expert staff works closely with faculty and students to ensure that the collection remains current and relevant, with a constant influx of new titles and resources.
| Collection Category | Number of Titles |
|---|---|
| Print Books | 550,000+ |
| E-Books | 200,000+ |
| Print Journals | 2,000+ |
| Online Journals | 10,000+ |
| Databases | 50+ |

Services and Support

The Grainger Engineering Library Info Center offers a wide range of services and support to help users achieve their academic and research goals. From research assistance and instructional support to technology help and study space reservations, the library’s expert staff is dedicated to providing exceptional service and support. The library also offers a variety of workshops and training sessions, covering topics such as information literacy, research methods, and software skills.
Research Assistance and Support
The Grainger Engineering Library’s research assistance and support services are designed to help users navigate the complex world of engineering research. From finding relevant sources and evaluating information to citing sources and avoiding plagiarism, the library’s expert staff is available to provide guidance and support. The library also offers a range of online resources and tools, including research guides, tutorials, and citation management software.
What types of resources are available at the Grainger Engineering Library?
+The Grainger Engineering Library offers a wide range of resources, including books, journals, databases, and digital tools. The library's collection includes over 550,000 print books, 200,000 e-books, 2,000 print journals, and 10,000 online journals, as well as 50+ databases and a variety of digital tools and software.
How can I get help with my research at the Grainger Engineering Library?
+The Grainger Engineering Library offers a range of research assistance and support services, including individual consultations, group instruction, and online support. Users can also take advantage of the library's online resources and tools, including research guides, tutorials, and citation management software.
What types of study spaces are available at the Grainger Engineering Library?
+The Grainger Engineering Library offers a variety of study spaces, including quiet areas, collaboration rooms, and multimedia-equipped presentation rooms. Users can also reserve study spaces in advance using the library's online reservation system.
In conclusion, the Grainger Engineering Library Info Center is a vibrant and dynamic hub of engineering research and education. With its exceptional collection, innovative services, and expert staff, the library plays a vital role in supporting the academic and research needs of the engineering community. As a testament to its commitment to excellence, the Grainger Engineering Library Info Center continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its users, providing a world-class environment for learning, discovery, and innovation.