The Libraries are one of the only facets on campus that provide a place for everyone. They are always accessible, regardless of your discipline. Allowing students to experiment with tools, discover vast research and work one-on-one with area specialists levels the playing field and sets our students up for success. The Libraries are pillars of support; we illuminate student excellence, highlight their brilliance and ignite their curiosity every day. This photo series was created to celebrate the George A. Smathers Libraries’ century-long legacy on the University of Florida campus. Our impact stretches far and wide, but can sometimes be hard to visualize.
This project showcases archival photos from the University Digital Collections, projected onto iconic locations around campus.
Even though you may not see us, the Libraries illuminate everywhere.
century tower
J. Wayne Reitz Union
an archival photo of students from 1956 is projected above. Link to Digital Collection Image
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
turlington plaza
Lake Alice
window from the historic Smathers Library in 1977 is projected on the stump. Link to Digital Collection Image
Marston Science Library
of a student searching through a card catalog drawer in the 1960s is projected on the building above. Link to Digital Collection Image
library west
the first professional university librarian, is projected on the chair below her. Link to Digital Collection Image
This piece was produced by the Smathers Libraries communications assistant, Rae Riiska.
Alex Avelino, Aimee Sullivan, Patricia Takacs and Library Technical Services contributed to this work and thank you to Erin Clark for inspiring this project.
For more information on the details of this project, or how to make it happen in your unit, contact Rae Riiska (riiskar@ufl.edu)