Joshua C. Chilton first described UNT as “independent, original and progressive” in his inaugural speech opening the university in 1890. In the 125 years since then the university has more than lived up to his expectations. The University Archive holds countless photographs, artifacts and publications which tell the remarkable story of UNT from its beginnings in a downtown hardware store to its place today as the one of the nation’s largest public universities. This book features stories about the people and events that helped to define the character and spirit of UNT. Each story is illustrated with photographs and artifacts specially chosen from the Special Collections department and the Music Library, both part of the UNT Libraries, whose staff are proud to share these wonderful memories with you.​

This report discusses the five-year strategic plan for the University of North Texas (UNT) Libraries to reach its goal of becoming a top tier research library by 2015. It includes an analysis of the status of the UNT Libraries in relation to the university campus strategic plan and to peer institutions. In addition, it provides an outline of the specific goals and targets adopted to reach top tier status, organized into five categories: Creative Partnerships, Innovative Services, Scholarly Outcomes Assessment, Quality Collections, and Well-Designed Spaces.