Hillman Library

Hillman Library is a major academic library located in the University of Pittsburgh and serves as a central hub for Pittsburgh's academic community, including students from Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The library is named after John H. Hillman Jr., a University of Pittsburgh alumnus and benefactor, who also supported institutions like the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Hillman Library is part of the University of Pittsburgh Library System, which also includes the Darlington Memorial Library and the Falk Library of the Health Sciences. The library's collections and services are also utilized by researchers from Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

● History

The history of Hillman Library dates back to the early 20th century, when the University of Pittsburgh began to expand its academic programs, including the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the Swanson School of Engineering. The library was established to support the growing student body and faculty, including notable scholars like Thomas Starzl and August Wilson. Over the years, the library has undergone several renovations and expansions, including a major renovation in the 1990s, which was supported by donations from The Heinz Endowments and the Richard King Mellon Foundation. The library has also collaborated with other institutions, such as the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the Senator John Heinz History Center, to provide access to rare and unique materials, including the Archives of Industrial Society and the University of Pittsburgh Archives.

● Architecture

The architecture of Hillman Library is a blend of modern and historic styles, reflecting the University of Pittsburgh's commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing innovation, as seen in the design of the Cathedral of Learning and the William Pitt Union. The library's building was designed by Alden & Harlow, a renowned architectural firm that has also worked on projects like the Boston Public Library and the New York Public Library. The library's interior features a grand atrium, which provides natural light and a sense of openness, similar to the design of the National Library of Congress and the British Library. The building also incorporates sustainable design elements, such as energy-efficient systems and recycled materials, which are also used in the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and the Frick Art & Historical Center.

● Collections

The collections at Hillman Library are diverse and extensive, covering a wide range of subjects, including the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, with a focus on University of Pittsburgh's strengths in fields like computer science, engineering, and public health. The library's holdings include over 1.5 million volumes, as well as numerous digital resources, such as JSTOR and EBSCO, which provide access to articles and research papers from leading journals like Nature and Science. The library also has a strong collection of rare and unique materials, including the Darlington Collection, which features rare books and manuscripts related to Western Pennsylvania history, and the University of Pittsburgh Archives, which document the history of the university and its notable alumni, such as Randy Pausch and Gene Kelly.

● Services

Hillman Library offers a range of services to support the academic and research needs of the University of Pittsburgh community, including students from Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The library provides access to research assistance, including reference services and instructional programs, which are also available to students from Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. The library also offers a variety of study spaces, including quiet areas, group study rooms, and computer labs, which are equipped with software and hardware from companies like Microsoft and Apple. Additionally, the library provides access to interlibrary loan services, which allow users to borrow materials from other libraries, including the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the Library of Congress.

● Location

Hillman Library is located in the heart of the University of Pittsburgh's Oakland campus, within walking distance of other notable landmarks like the Cathedral of Learning and the William Pitt Union. The library is easily accessible by public transportation, including the Port Authority of Allegheny County bus system, which connects to other Pittsburgh neighborhoods, such as Downtown Pittsburgh and Shadyside. The library's location also provides convenient access to other academic and research institutions, including Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, as well as cultural attractions like the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Category:Libraries in Pennsylvania