Our Growing Collections
 

ROLAND BAUGHMAN
 

IN earlier pages of this issue Miss Benjamin compliments the
University on its burgeoning importance as a repository for
manuscript and printed rarities. We in the Libraries are in a
favored position to observe the actual steps by which that wel¬
come result is being gained. The good will of Friends, faculty,
members of the Columbia family, and others who appreciate the
value of the University's contribution to the cultural life of New
York and the nation, is bringing an ever-increasing store of rare
source works. It is deeply satisfying to us that we have been able
to bolster that good will substantially through judicious pur¬
chases made possible by special endowments, for this serves to
convince potential donors that we are serious in our desire for
Columbia to assert her rightful position of leadership in the pre¬
servation of unique research materials.

The momentum of the program has become powerful. Even
during the recent summer months, when a retarding of the rate
of acquisition might have been expected, impressive numbers of
highly significant gifts were received. The following paragraphs
furnish some of the details.
 

Manuscript Collections

The Nevins Papers: Professor Allan Nevins has commenced the
project of transferring to the Libraries his extensive files of
letters and papers. The work has not progressed far enough for
more than the roughest estimate of the scope of the gift, but
even so it is apparent that Professor Nevins in his busy career