University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The items in the Digital Collections of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library contain materials which represent or depict sensitive topics or were written from perspectives using outdated or biased language. The Library condemns discrimination and hatred on any grounds. As a research library that supports the mission and values of this land grant institution, it is incumbent upon the University Library to preserve, describe, and provide access to materials to accurately document our past, support learning about it, and effect change in the present. In accordance with the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read statement, we do not censor our materials or prevent patrons from accessing them.

If you have questions regarding this statement or any content in the Library’s digital collections, please contact digitalcollections@lists.illinois.edu

American Library Association’s Freedom to Read Statement

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility at the University Library

Central Illinois Jewish Communities Oral History Project Collection

The born digital content of the Central Illinois Jewish Communities Oral History Collection consists of interviews with Jewish individuals who resided in Illinois during the mid-to-late 20th century, with a focus on members of small to midsized Jewish communities in central Illinois.

The collection reflects the lived experiences of Jewish Illinoisans and documents the history of Jewish communities in the state. Interviews typically discuss religious practices, education, community and faith-based organizations, immigration, and Jewish identity.

The born digital content includes MP3 audio files of interviews and PDF files of interview transcriptions.

The Illinois History and Lincoln Collections unit at the University of Illinois Library manages the items of the Illinois Jewish Communities Oral History Collection. Interviews were primarily collected by the Illinois History and Lincoln Collections starting in 2023; however, interviews conducted by community interviewers in 2022 are also included. For more information, contact an archivist at ihlc@library.illinois.edu.

This collection is managed by the Illinois History and Lincoln Collections and does not feature precise descriptive information for each item. Discover its contents by browsing the folders and files. For more information, contact an archivist at ihlc@library.illinois.edu.