Libraries

Nielsen Collection Celebration

Photo of Maurice Nielsen and the text Nielsen Collection Celebration

University Libraries will celebrate the Nielsen Collection, our largest book donation ever received on Thursday, June 21, 2012 from 4 to 5 pm. in the Leslie F. Malpass Library, Garden Lounge. The family of former philosophy professor Maurice Nielsen, who passed away in June 2006, donated his entire book collection to University Libraries. The donation is the largest University Libraries has even received. The reception is free and open to the public.

According to Dean Self, "We were ecstatic to receive such a wonderful selection of books. Dr. Nielsen loved books and the quality of his collection certainly reflects that."

A majority of the 9,000 books received were philosophy and religious studies, but Dr. Nielsen's collection represented a wide range of interest in a variety of subject areas. University Libraries received the donation in the summer of 2011 and it took eight months to process the 260 boxes of books. Over 2,700 books were added to University Libraries' collection, 591 were exchanged because Dr. Nielsen's copy was in better physical condition. The remaining books were then added to materials for the annual books sales, resulting in the largest sale to date.

"We grew up surrounded by these books and our father's love for them. It was important that we find a place that would appreciate and preserve as much of the collection as possible", said his daughters Karen and Eileen, "We are very pleased that so many of them have been added to University Libraries collection and are looking forward to the Nielsen Collection Celebration in his honor."

"To receive a donation of this caliber is truly an honor. If we were to purchase the books added to our collection, it would have easily cost over $100,000. We are honored to join the Nielsen family in celebrating this generous gift," according to Michael Jones, Development Director for University Libraries.

For more information about the Nielsen Collection Celebration, please contact the Administration Office at (309) 298-2762.