iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

On October 8th, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire began—two days later, approximately 17,500 buildings across 2.1 - 3.3 square miles were destroyed. Our maps show the city as it looked before the fire, as a baseline for the destruction to be measured.

A photograph of McDonald's Illustrated History and Map of Chicago open to a page listing blocks and public buildings that were burned. There is an illustration of the waterworks on the opposite page, as well as a continuation of the text.

A photograph of McDonald's Illustrated History and Map of Chicago open to another page describing property damage and the extent of the loss.

A photograph of a separate item in our collection, The Great Fire at Chicago: Bird's-Eye View of the City, from the Illustrated London News. Specifically, the October 21st, 1871 issue.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Now that the autumnal equinox has passed and leaves have started to fall, some of you may enjoy sightseeing + enjoying the brisk air. We have just the map to guide you to the best areas for it! #uiuc #uofi #map #uillinoislibraries #librariesofinstagram #autumn #fall #autumnequinox #washingtonpost

This image is a photograph of an article titled "Where to find the best fall foliage across the United States". There are six maps of the United States, each depicting a date (September 15th, September 29th, October 6th, October 13th, October 27th, and November 3rd) with color-coded areas corresponding with measures of peak fall foliage. Text from the article can be seen below the diagrams.

A close-up image of the maps in the article.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

This week, we continue to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, and we've gathered some maps made by influential Latino and Hispanic cartographers that depict what were formerly called the New Spain and the Peruana areas—now Central and South America. Come take a look at these maps in person!

A photograph of a page from the book Whither the waters : mapping the Great Basin from Bernardo de Miera to John C. Frémont, showing a map by Bernardo de Miera y Pacheco, The map depicts Governor Juan Bautista de Anza's Comanche campaign of 1779.

A photograph of a page from Cuatro siglos de expresiones geográficas del istmo centroamericano, 1500-1900 = Four centuries of geographic expressions of the Central American Isthmus, depicting a map of the Guatemala area by Miguel Rivera Maestre.

A photograph of Mapa geográfico de America Meridonal, by Juan de la Cruz Cano y Olmedilla. The map is large, with four separate sheets arranged into one whole picture.

A photograph of Map of New Mexico with latest discoveries, a map by Bernardo de Miera y Pacheco, depicting current Central America.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

September 15th marks the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month! We collected a couple of census maps to show increases in the population of those of Hispanic or Latino origin in the U.S. #uiuc #uofi #map #uillinoislibraries #librariesofbluesky #nationalhispanicheritagemonth #nhhm #censusmap

A photograph of a map from 2012 titled Percent Change in Hispanic or Latino Origin Population, 2000 to 2010. There are insets depicting additional states/territories: Alaska, Hawai'i, and Puerto Rico.

A photograph of a map from 2000 depicting Hispanic heritage population groups. There are individual maps for the following groups: Mexican, Dominican, Central American, Puerto Rican, Cuban, South American, and Other Heritage Groups.

An inset from the first map showing a simplified version.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Come to the North/East hallways on the fourth floor to view our Labor Day exhibit! We've hand-picked some items from our collections that we think best show the spirit of the holiday. #UIUC #uofi #maps #uillinoislibraries #laborday #chicagolabortrail #industrialization #workersrights #union #afscme

A photograph of the exhibit case, showing the full display.

A photograph from the side of the case, showing the label "MAPPING LABOR" and a view of the Chicago Labor Trail map.

A photograph of The Geography of American Labor and Industrialization, 1865-1908: An Atlas, along with a supplemental decorative button collection related to labor and union.

A close-up photograph of a sign stating "I (heart) Library Workers", with additional pins by AFSCME stating "This University Works Because We Do".

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Good job UIUC! Because of your resilience throughout the year, we know you will end the semester off amazingly and conquer your finals! Visit the Map Library for a great space to dive into your study sessions. We are open Monday-Friday from 9-5pm. Good luck! You got this!

The Image presents a 1947 white and black map of the UIUC campus. Overlapping the map has the words “Good Luck UIUC”, and gold stars around the border.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

It’s International Jazz Day! Celebrate today by listening to your favorite artists, learning about jazz history, and going to local jazz clubs! This map presents popular jazz spots across Chicago in the early 1900s. Do you recognize any of these locations? Map: G4104.C6E646 1946 .M5 1979

The image displays the map, The Chicago Jazz Spots, drawn by Paul Eduared Miller and Richard E. Jones. It is a black and white map featuring various Chicago locations where one could listen to jazz . Drawn are streets, dancers, food, musicians, and instruments.

(zoomed in)The image displays the map, The Chicago Jazz Spots, drawn by Paul Eduared Miller and Richard E. Jones. It is a black and white map featuring various Chicago locations where one could listen to jazz . Drawn are streets, dancers, food, musicians, and instruments.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Are you looking for a way to spend your summer break—Look no further! The Map Library presents a new exhibition on the Exploration of National Parks! Stop by soon to learn about the amazing cultural, historical, and archaeological sites within our country!

(Side View) This image presents a display case featuring our new exhibition: Exploration of National Parks. The case contains maps of Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Hawaii Volcanoes. There are also a plethora of book and pamphlets on the topic.

(Front View) This image presents a display case featuring our new exhibition: Exploration of National Parks. The case contains maps of Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Hawaii Volcanoes. There are also a plethora of book and pamphlets on the topic.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

National Read a Road Map Day is this Sunday, April 5th! We encourage you to take this day to find a road map, pick a destination, and navigate there without any technology! Presented is an Illinois Road Map from the year 1940! G4101.P2 1941. I47

The image displays an Illinois Road Map from the year 1940. Next to the map is a title with a road border stating, “National Read a Road Map Day”.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Give your pet extra love as we celebrate National Pet Month! As data shows, dogs are the most popular pets worldwide! To celebrate, we highlight Joseph Patterson Sim’s Dog Map of the World (1943)! Do you have any of these dogs from across the world? Map: G3201.D4 1943 .S55

The image displays Joseph Patterson Sim’s Dog Map of the World. The map has a squared border with images and names for different dog breeds. The center of the map presents the world and highlights some of the dogs known in each continent.
Text source: https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/most-popular-pets-by-countr

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Happy Spring UIUC ! We are now at the final stretch of the school year! Here at the Map Library, we provide a welcoming and supportive space for you as you wrap up your work. Come by and visit! The library is open Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm.

The image displays a transparent map of UIUC campus in the background, and an image of a bird perched on a tree with surrounding flowers in the foreground.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Hark! Do not fear the Map Library is here! We have everything you need to claim a mighty victory in your next Dungeons and Dragons game! Learn how to create elaborate fantasy maps and imagined worlds through our very own collections of maps, books, and more!

Side View: The image presents a display case showing the different Dungeons and Dragons elements that we have in the Map Library. Displayed is a map of Faerun on the back wall, a small map of the lands in the front, books on how to create fantasy maps, and dice spread throughout the case.

Front View: The image presents a display case showing the different Dungeons and Dragons elements that we have in the Map Library. Displayed is a map of Faerun on the back wall, a small map of the lands in the front, books on how to create fantasy maps, and dice spread throughout the case.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

This year marks the 250th anniversary of American Independence! This map represents the United States after the 1783 Peace Treaty signing, putting an end to the hard-fought Revolutionary War. Map: G3701 .S3 1957 .S5

This image displays the map, The Map of the United States at the Close of the Revolutionary War. The map has a large visual of the American continent, including the division of the 13 Colonies and Indigenous territories. Surrounding the continent are ships representing historic settlers and maps through time.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Happy Black History Month! At the Map Library, we are excited to highlight Black excellence from around the world. Our new exhibition, “Mapping Heritage: Arts & Culture” explores just that! Come check it out and expand your knowledge during this significant month!

This image shows the side view of the display case for the “Mapping Heritage: Arts and Culture” exhibition. Presented are two maps on the glass (Atlanta Hip Hop and Harlem Renaissance), a map laying down (Jazz musicians), and books.

This image shows the front view of the display case for the “Mapping Heritage: Arts and Culture” exhibition. Presented are two maps on the glass (Atlanta Hip Hop and Harlem Renaissance), a map laying down (Jazz musicians), and books.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

The Shakespeare Map, created by Dr. Levi Fox in 1970 highlights Shakespeare’s birthplace Stratford, along with other significant locations connected to his life and career. If you’re curious to explore more of Shakespeare’s historical sites, come visit! Map: G5754.S85A8 1970 .F6

The image featured is “The Shakespeare Map” by Dr. Levi Fox. The map features images including, a portrait of Shakespeare, his hometown, the Globe Theater, and lists of his works. Throughout the map also has descriptions and information about his life and the locations referenced in his works.
https://www.ibtimes.com/day-shakespeares-romeo-juliet-was-first-performed-3133311
https://www.folger.edu/explore/shakespeares-works/romeo-and-juliet/read/5/3/

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

Be sure to visit our new exhibition: Fantastic Voyages! All semester long, we will feature different fantasy adventures highlighted through our maps! We hope we have some UIUC Hobbit fans, because our first exhibition showcases maps and books of the lands of Middle Earth!

Images shows a display case of maps featuring the Middle Earth from the Hobbit series.
The maps in the image are, “AN ARTIST’S INTERPRETATION OF MIDDLE EARTH” by Peter C. Fenlon and “THERE AND BACK AGAIN: THE MAP OF THE HOBBIT” by John Howe.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Welcome back UIUC! As you began classes, remember to take a visit to the Map Library for a place to study and discover loads of fun maps. We are open Mon-Fri: 8:30am - 5pm, and located on the 4th floor of the Main Library. Hope to see you soon and we wish you a wonderful spring semester!

The Image presents a 1980's beige and black map of the UIUC campus. Overlapping the map has the words “Map Library”, and ripped paper for a scrapbook effect.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

UIUC! You’ve made it through finals—now it’s time to enjoy a well-deserved break! Please note that the Map Library will be closed from December 24-January 4. However, be sure to visit us in the new year! We’ll be open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Happy Holidays!

Transparent map background with the words "Happy Winter Break" illuminated above

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

The 1890 linguistic map was created under the direction of John Wesley Powell, a pioneering ethnologist and the first Director of the U.S. Bureau of Ethnology. This map reflects Powell’s extensive efforts to classify Native American languages and advance ethnographic research.

Color-coded map marking the different language dialects of native tribes. The map only covers North America.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

Happy Indigenous Peoples Month! This month, we highlight a powerful illustrated map created by Michael McArdle-Nakoma, published in 2012. We also invite you to explore our exhibition, Mapping Indigenous Peoples and Cultures! Reference: curtiswrightmaps.com/product/nati...

Map of the Native Tribes of North America, Central America and the Caribbean. The map showcases the Tribes of the area with specific iconography for each location. There is also a border around the map that displays references of people of the tribe.

Display case of the of maps and books focused on the Indigenous peoples and cultures.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

This week, we honor all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their courage and sacrifice protect the freedoms we cherish, and we are proud to recognize them as our heroes. The featured World War I maps are from the Map Library’s own digital collection!

The Blood-Red World: Map Showing Territory of the Earth Directly Affected by the Great War
Map of the world with red coloring covering the areas the war affected.

The illustration of the Graet European War No. 16 / [Ryōzō Tanaka]
A pictorial map of Europe, Asia, and half of Africa with animals representing the areas: Japan (the samurai), China (the pig), and Russia (the bear)

A warning to Thoughtful Americans: How Germany Wanted the World to Look : A Graphic Explanation of Why There is a War World map on which Germany's alleged territorial objectives appear in red.

Mudhike harb haritası
Pictorial political map with figures representing countries in Europe. The map is essentially propaganda for the Central Powers wherein Russia appears as an obnoxious drunk and Hungary is shown charging fiercely into battle.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

All aboard! The Crazy Touring Train of Ozzy Osbourne has arrived at the Map Library! The map showcases the cities around the world where Ozzy Osbourne has rocked the stage most often. This map was created by @Kennthfield, a contribution to his legacy. Map: G3201.A85 2025 .F53

This is dark grey map with a pictorial globe on either side. The globe on the left his purple lines and bright lights showing the places Ozzy Osbourne has toured, and the paths taken while in Black Sabbath. On the globe to the right, orange lines and bright lights represent the places Ozzy Osbourne has toured as a solo artist. The middle of the map states “All Abooooard! The Crazy Train of Ozzy Osbourne 1948-2025". There are also black bats images across the map, a bright moon at the bottom, and a show ticket from Kenneth Field from Osbourne’s no-show concert, and a cross in the center of the map.

Zoomed in left globe of purple lines and bright lights showing the places Ozzy Osbourne has toured, and the paths taken while in Black Sabbath

Zoomed in right globe of orange lines and bright lights represent the places Ozzy Osbourne has toured as a solo artist

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

It’s Football Season! Another game, another win! In the spirit of football, check out our 1938 Albert Richard Football map! This map showcases college football teams around the country, major conferences held, and the nicknames of all the teams. Can you spot our UIUC football team?

[Map: G3701. E63 1938 .C53]
This Map is an 1938 Albert Richard football map. It is a multicolored pictorial representation of the U.S football teams within each conference section of the country. It also has the official nicknames of all of the football teams in the country. The map is bordered by the team flags, while images of a stadium, tickets, and a kicker are placed around the country.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

It finals week! I know this is a stressful time for everyone but the Map Library has your back! We are open 8:30am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Come visit for an open space to study solo, or even in groups! We would love to have you and good luck to everyone!

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

Well, On May 8, 1886, Dr. John Stith Pemberton served the first glass of Coca-Cola at Jacobs' Pharmacy in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. As you can see on the map, Coca-Cola consumption has sky-rocketed across the world since then. Drink a bottle in appreciation of this anniversary!

Map: G3201.E11999 .N3
Source: https://www.historyoasis.com/post/original-use-coca-cola

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

April showers bring May flowers-or so they say! Rain has still been showering down but don’t worry flowers are too sprouting everywhere you look! This map displays a world of beautiful flowers to encourage you during this spring season. Which flower is your favorite? Map: G3201.D2 1972 .J6

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

Are you ready for some Map Library Trivia? Here are 3 questions about our library’s history and collections. Lets see how much you know! The answers are located on the last slide!

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

It’s Jazz Appreciation Month! This map presents the origin of many of the legendary artists in none other than Queens, New York! Celebrate the vibrant history by popping on some Ella Fitzgerald or John Coltrane and “JAM” out to the great musical icons!

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

It’s tornado season! This map displays the tornadoes that hit areas of Chicago from 1876-1976. It also reveals that in the month of April, tornadoes were at their highest, especially during the evenings. This is almost identical to the occurrences today, almost 50 years later! G4104.C6C86 1976 .C6

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

I hope you had a great first week back! Treat yourself to a visit to the Map Library and discover a series of captivating maps! We are open Mon-Fri: 8:30am - 5pm, and located on the 4th floor of the Main Library. Hope to see you soon!

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

Happy Spring Break! Did you know the most popular place to go for Spring Break is Florida? It is such an iconic place that treasure is even known to be found there! This map shows all of the treasure in the state, dating back to the 1500s, so you could even search to find it!

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

150 years ago, UIUC opened for students That’s right, on March 2, 1868, the University of Illinois had its first day of classes! The opening class consisted of only 77 students and two faculty members! This map is a comical version of the olden-day campus.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

The first Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans was recorded in February 1837! In our own appreciation of Mardi Gras, here is a vibrant map of New Orleans dating back to 1972! Bring the party over to the Map Library as you come to check them out! Map: G4014.N5A5 1972 .T72

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

Let’s hold space for the classic musical, based off the legendary Wizard of Oz in 1939! This map displays the journey taken by each character in the Wizard of Oz! Follow along the paths and decide which character you would want to accompany! Hope a path leads you to our library!

Cinemaps : An Atlas of Great Movies
Q. PN1995.9.M28 D44 2017

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

The Map Library has you covered for all things love! With this map you can learn about love languages through history and how it has been expressed around the world! We have plenty of love to share so don’t be shy to come visit!

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

It’s Black History Month! Come check out our special exhibit that displays the culture and history of black communities around the world! We have a plethora of books, maps, and art all to encourage the understanding of this significant month!

Display case of maps and books all related to black history.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

February 6, 1971, Alan Shephard, apart of mission Apollo 14, made history for the only person to hit golf balls on the moon! If you had the chance, what would you want to be the first to do on the moon? Image: map of the moon and its lunar formations in 1971. G3196.A4 1959.S81

Image of the moon and its lunar formations.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

Welcome back UIUC! Hope you had a great start of the semester! Stay as warm as you can and come visit, Mon-Fri: 8:30am-5pm, to explore our unique maps!

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Reposted by Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Jenny Marie Johnson @jmj1363.bsky.social · 19/11/2024

On my desk today -- 3 different editions of the same atlas with no easily identified differences except for the edition statement and no publication date!

Photo of title pages of 3 editions of Comparative Atlas published in early 20th century.

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Reposted by Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Jenny Marie Johnson @jmj1363.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

On my desk today: Total Eclipse by @kennethfield.bsky.social It made it back to Champaign safely from #NACIS2024 in Tacoma ... but a month later still is a little bit curled from being rolled in my suitcase.

Photo of Total Eclipse, a map showing the 2024 solar eclipse route over the United States, by Kenneth Field.

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 20/11/2024

On my desk today -- to catalog and add to the collection. We collect data-driven maps fairly aggressively from @nytimes.com and @washingtonpost.com but maps appear rarely in the local paper.

Photo of News-Gazette 2024 presidental election maps

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 19/11/2024

Not everything fit in last Friday's exhibit for the 100th anniversary celebration of the #UIUC Main Library building -- so we put together a supplemental exhibit in the Map Library.

Photograph of exhibit case showing 5 maps published during the 1920s

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 18/11/2024

Preparing for the annual University Library graduate assistant training session about Special Collections Division collections and services. #UIUC

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Map Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign @illinoismaps.bsky.social · 18/11/2024

Big University Foundation/donor event last week celebrating the 100th anniversary of the #UIUC Main Library building. Map Library was there with maps published during the 1920s.

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