The Pilliod Family Library Endowment was established in 1990 by Pete and Sandy Pilliod. Pete is president of Peter Pilliod and Associates and past chairman of the board of the Pilliod Cabinet Company, which was founded by his great-grandfather. At Notre Dame, he is a member of the Hesburgh Libraries Advisory Council. Pete and Sandy, have two daughters, Barbara and Debra. The couple has also supported the Pilliod Family Endowed Collection in International Marketing and Finance, the Jordan Hall of Science, and the Compton Family Ice Arena.

As another in the family of unrestricted endowments with which the Hesburgh Libraries are able to fund collections, services, and programs outside the scope of those underwritten by University allocations, the Pilliod Endowment is used for the support of resources outside the social sciences and humanities. With assistance from this endowment, the Hesburgh Libraries are able to meet significant research materials needs in the area of science and technology. Candidates for acquisition via Pilliod support include costly yet necessary monographs and sets, as well as materials in developing research interests within the University.