An ornate, rectangular bookplate serves as a mark of ownership for the University of Michigan. At the top, an oil lamp—a traditional symbol of wisdom and enlightenment—rests above a banner dated 1837, the year the university was established in Ann Arbor. Below the lamp are three Latin words representing the university's ideals. The center features the Great Seal of the State of Michigan: an eagle perched above a shield showing a man on a peninsula at sunrise, supported by an elk and a moose. The shield and surrounding area contain various mottoes. A blank decorative frame at the bottom is provided for library classification codes.

Arts, Truth, Knowledge original: "Artes Veritas Scientia"

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

Out of many, one original: "E Pluribus Unum," the national motto of the United States.

I will defend original: "Tuebor," referring to Michigan's role as a frontier state defending the northern border of the Union.

If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you original: "Si Quæris Peninsulam Amœnam Circumspice," the state motto of Michigan.