We’re proud to celebrate Bailey Hill, recent MLIS graduate from the University of Illinois and the current archivist at the Galesburg Public Library. With a lifelong passion for preserving history and a commitment to community access, Bailey’s journey reflects both dedication and heart.
Bailey’s decision to pursue her Master’s in Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois was guided by trusted voices—alumni from her undergraduate days at Monmouth College who spoke highly of the program. “They all had glowing remarks about the professors and coursework,” she shared. “It also helped that it’s the top Library Science program in the country!”
While completing her degree, Bailey experienced several major life transitions—getting married, moving between cities, and working full-time at the Galesburg Public Library. One important source of support during this busy time was the William K. and Dorothea Richardson Endowment Scholarship, awarded through the Galesburg Public Library Foundation. “It was such a relief to know that I had this support from the Foundation,” Bailey said. “I truly am so grateful and appreciative to have received the Richardson Scholarship.”
Among the standout moments in her coursework was a rare books and special collections class, where she created exhibit labels for a theoretical British Museum display. “That project really stuck with me,” Bailey said. “I’ve used those same skills to create exhibits at GPL.”
Now, as the library’s archivist, no two days look the same. Some are filled with research requests from genealogists and local historians—others are spent digitizing materials, updating metadata on Flickr, or building finding aids for collections. “The most meaningful part of this work is helping people find materials they might not be able to access anywhere else,” she said. “And I learn something new about our community every time.”
Bailey’s education helped strengthen her professional toolkit, connecting her to evolving best practices in the archival field. “This work is about lifelong learning,” she noted. “My grad school experience helped me see how to keep growing and serving our community.”
When asked about the biggest challenge during her program, Bailey pointed to the long days—commuting, working full-time, and attending evening Zoom classes. “It helped that my husband worked Saturdays at the Illini bookstore, which had a Starbucks attached. I’d camp out there to get all my reading and assignments done.”
To aspiring librarians and archivists, Bailey offers simple, heartfelt advice: get experience wherever you can. “Volunteer, work in any department—it all counts,” she said. “I’ve wanted to be an archivist since high school, but before getting this role, I worked in circulation, children’s services, and digitization. That experience helped me get my dream job.”
Looking ahead, Bailey is passionate about expanding access to the library’s archives through digitization. With recent projects focused on the AV collection, her vision includes bringing oversize photographs and microfilm into the digital fold. “We’ve been lucky to have interns and part-time help for these projects, and I’m so thankful,” she said. “Making our history more accessible is a long-term goal—and one I’m excited to keep working toward.”
Thanks to the generosity of the Richardson Endowment and the ongoing support of the Foundation’s donors, Bailey’s story is one of possibility—and a powerful reminder of the difference community support makes.
