2017 RBMS Conference Site Proposal University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan

Summer 2017 – ALA in Chicago, Illinois

The University of Michigan (U-M), with nineteen academic schools and colleges, is one of the largest public research universities in the United States. Civil War historian Shelby Foote nailed it when he wrote, “A university is just a group of buildings gathered around a library,” and bibliophile C. Waller Barrett spoke for all RBMS members when he noted, “If the library is the heart of the university, the rare book room is the heart of the library.” Come to Ann Arbor for the 2017 RBMS Conference and see how U-M embodies the wisdom of both observations. The exceptional collections held in U-M Library form one of the great library systems in the world. Home to the Google Project, the HathiTrust, the early Americana treasures of the William L. Clements Library, the rich Michigan history at the Bentley Historical Library, the largest collection of ancient papyri in North

America, and the broad array of unique materials represented in the Special Collections Library, U-M has the collections, technology, and innovation to delight RBMS librarians from every community of practice. With the Detroit airport only 30 minutes away; with one of America’s great college towns as backdrop; and with the 2017 ALA Conference in nearby Chicago, the University of Michigan’s bicentennial year is the perfect time to bring the RBMS Conference to Ann Arbor.

Our goal is to offer a campus-based experience for the 2017 RBMS Conference. The pleasant Ann Arbor summer weather coupled with a pedestrian-friendly town enables conference goers to walk or bus to programming, to coffee shops and restaurants, to the Farmers Market, and to many other locales from the convenience of the Conference venue, their hotels, or newly remodeled dormitories. Moreover, with a Local Arrangements team that includes seven active RBMS members, our attendees and planners will never want for local hospitality and keen awareness of programming needs.

Ann Arbor is a quintessential, U.S. university town: small in size, with friendly Midwestern hospitality and big city sophistication. Ann Arbor, affectionately referred to as “A2” by local residents, is nestled in a peaceful green setting with a close-knit community of charming neighborhoods and a rich mix of cultures. Although geographically small, the A2 area is renowned for its cultural offerings. More than 30 independent bookstores, dozens of unique galleries, and a variety of top-notch museums (including the newly renovated University of Michigan Museum of Art) are all within the downtown limits. Those looking for a culinary adventure will appreciate the nearly 300 restaurants within a 20-mile radius of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. Attendees will find whatever dining experience they are seeking—from townie-frequented eateries to nationally known restaurants. Alfresco dining, popular in the warmer months, turns city streets into outdoor cafes.

Michigan Union

Downtown A2

1. Facilities

Venues on campus have been identified and assessed for affordability and for accommodating all programming (i.e., breakout sessions, booksellers’ showcase, plenaries, workshops, &c.) that are typical to an RBMS Conference, as well as for convenient access to/from the Conference lodging options.

a. Programming Options i. Among many others on campus, these exemplify the options that will be explored

1. Michigan Union 2. Michigan League 3. Rackham Graduate School (building) 4. Hill Auditorium

Hill Auditorium

Capacity = 3,561

b. Special Events Facilities i. Among many others on campus, these exemplify the options that will be

explored. 1. One of the aforementioned facilities would be able to serve as a reception

space. 2. University of Michigan Museum of Art

3. Michigan Theater

Opened in 1928, the Michigan Theater

is dedicated to the finest film and live

entertainment available. It touts the

Barton Theatre Pipe Organ, one of the

only theater organs regularly played in

its original home. A beautiful space is

available (for a fee) to host the final

plenary and preliminary coffee break.

2. Accommodations [All rates include annual percentage increase to 2017 estimates, per Ann Arbor Visitors Bureau representative consultant.]

Ann Arbor is expecting the opening of a new downtown hotel by early 2017, the Radisson Inn. We are currently in contact with the property managers and have been advised to secure information and explore potential lodging in June 2016.

i. Hotels Targeted conference hotels are steps off of campus.

1. They include: a. Bell Tower Hotel b. Campus Inn Hotel c. (~$160/night) Inn at The League d. (~$180/night) Ross School of Business Hotel

ii. Central Campus (preferred) Dormitories 1. 2017 Estimated Summer Housing Rates

$60.00 per person per night for a single room $160.00 per double suite per night

We reserved 100 residence hall spaces (at no reserve-cost currently), with a preference for Central Campus for estimated dates: June 20 – 23, 2017.

2. Oxford Housing a. 2017 Estimate double suites/quads (usually 1-2/suite) $154.50

iii. North Campus and near-Downtown hotels are also targeted for extra rooms that will be affordable (Avg. $80-$100/night) and bus-accessible.

Ann Arbor Lodging

Additional options can be found at the Visit Ann Arbor website 3. Hosting and Supporting Organizations

The University of Michigan Library has agreed to serve as the host organization. The Library will sponsor an evening reception and will assist in securing campus facilities for programming. Other U-M units on campus that will likely contribute to the conference programming include: Bentley Historical Library William L. Clements Library University of Michigan School of Information The hotels and all conference programming will be conveniently located to many of these venues and tours are certainly being considered.

4. Transportation a. To RBMS Conference

Campus Inn Avg. $150 - $190/night

The Bell Tower Avg. $150 - $190/night

i. Detroit Metro Airport (Located off I-94, about 25 miles east of Ann Arbor) 1. AirRide (734) 707-7AIR (7247) Convenient, frequent public transit service

connecting Ann Arbor with Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). Daily round trips serve downtown Ann Arbor, Briarwood Mall area, U-M campus, and both DTW terminals.

ii. Amtrak 325 Depot St., Ann Arbor (800) 872-7245 iii. Buses

Blue Lakes Charters & Tours (800) 282-4BUS

Greyhound (734) 662-5511 o 116 W. Huron St., Ann Arbor.

Indian Trails (800) 292-3831

Megabus (877) 462-6342 o State St. commuter lot, Ann Arbor.

Metro Coach (800) 456-1701

Trinity Transportation (877) 284-4200 b. During the Conference

i. Most travel can take place in a short, pleasant summer walk. ii. Buses

1. Ann Arbor Transportation Authority a. (734) 996-0400. Offers convenient, reliable public transit service as

well as paratransit, carpool, and vanpool services for commuters into and within the greater Ann Arbor area.

2. University of Michigan Parking & Transportation Services iii. Taxis

1. Across Town Cab (734) 216-5932 2. Airtran (734) 646-2020 3. Amazing Blue Taxi (734) 846-0007 4. Ann Arbor Yellow Cab (734) 663-3355 5. Blue Cab Company (734) 547-2222 6. Stadium Taxi (734) 695-0800

iv. Rental Cars 1. Alamo Car Rental/National Car Rental

a. 801 Airport Dr. (734) 769-8437 2. Auto Key Vehicle Rentals

a. 2850 S. Main St (734) 930-2886 3. Avis Rent-A-Car

a. 3600 Plymouth Rd (734) 663-9513 4. Enterprise Rent-A-Car

a. 438 W. Huron St (734) 327-2600 b. 801 Airport Dr (734) 769-1144 c. 3880 Jackson Rd. (734) 930-4900 d. 4555 Washtenaw Ave (734) 971-1221

5. Hertz Rent-A-Car a. 3200 Boardwalk (734) 761-1176 b. 3900 Jackson Rd (734) 913-0233 c. 4663 Washtenaw Ave (734) 528-9692

6. National Car Rental a. 801 Airport Dr (734) 769-8437

7. Zipcar (866) 494-7227 c. To 2017 ALA Annual Conference, Chicago

Chicago is approximately 4 hours from Ann Arbor by train or car. i. Detroit Metro Airport (Located off I-94, about 25 miles east of Ann Arbor)

1. AirRide (734) 707-7AIR (7247) Convenient, frequent public transit service connecting Ann Arbor with Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). Daily round trips serve downtown Ann Arbor, Briarwood Mall area, U-M campus, and both DTW terminals.

ii. Amtrak 325 Depot St., Ann Arbor (800) 872-7245 iii. Buses

Blue Lakes Charters & Tours (800) 282-4BUS

Greyhound (734) 662-5511 o 116 W. Huron St., Ann Arbor.

Indian Trails (800) 292-3831

Megabus (877) 462-6342 o State St. commuter lot, Ann Arbor.

Metro Coach (800) 456-1701

Trinity Transportation (877) 284-4200

5. Restaurants and Local Attractions Buzzing with vibrant energy, the downtown Ann Arbor nightlife will entice all to step out of their hotels and try one of many restaurants with a wide selection of cuisines. See Ann Arbor Area Visitors Guide for a full listing of our great restaurants and more local attractions. Some Local Favorite and Notable Restaurants Zingerman’s Delicatessen Jolly Pumpkin Mani Osteria & Bar Logan Gandy Dancer Pacific Rim Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant Jerusalem Garden Some Local Favorite and Notable Attractions The Bentley Historical Library The William L. Clements Library The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) Kerrytown Ann Arbor’s Farmers Market Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Matthaei Bottanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum Underground Railroad Bus Tour Downtown (restaurants and shopping) The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) Proposal submitted by: Athena N. Jackson Associate Director, Special Collections Library [proposed Chair, 2017 Local Arrangements Committee]

Martha O’Hara Conway Director, Special Collections Library [U-M Sponsor, and one of the many RBMS members who will also serve on the committee]