University of Minnesota - Gopher Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

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An import tml source of information on public affairs and American life is the Newspaper Room in the sub-basement of Waller Library. Much of its material-especially the oldest newspapers — has been microfilmed and must be read with special microfilm readers (left). The Room has its own complete subject index. 26

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ACADEMIC LIFE FOCUSES ON WALTER LIDRARY Though much of the student population utilizes Walter Library's facilities daily, most students know little of its rare collections and unique functions which make it one of the outstanding libraries in America today. Through private donations and Senate allotments. Walter Library is continually establishing and expanding collections to preserve history for the student, notably in the James Ford Bell Collection. the Archives, and the Ames l.ibrary of South Asia. The James Ford Hell Collection is housed in the old Arthur Upson Room, a gracious study urea most students never encounter. Under the auspices of the James Ford Bell Foundation, a collection of historic documents concerning commerce and exploration was prepared to aid research in this field. The collection, located off Walter's main lobby, contains such rarities as A Letter to Ferdinand and Isabella. written by Columbus in 1503; Michael Tramez.ini’s Septentrional-ium regionum. a copper-engraved map of the North Sea and Baltic areas; and Peter Goo’s Der nieuwe groot zee-spiegel, a rare sea atlas dating from the 17th century.

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Expert research abroad by staff members has uncovered equally interesting and valuable documents to augment the James Ford Bell Collection. Editing a collection of significant essays on exploration and commerce under the title. Merchants ami Scholars, is one of many efforts by the library staff to acquaint the public with this. The Archives of Walter Library, a collection of European immigrant manuscripts, rare books, and historic Minnesota documents, is under the direction of Dr. Timothy Smith. History Department. The most recent addition to the Archives was the Ukrainian exhibit given to the University in January by Professor Emeritus A. A. Granovsky. This collection, comprising U-krainian books, pamphlets, newspapers. and manuscripts, helps background our American heritage. While most material in the Archives has foreign origins, some —like territorial documents and personal letters-is Minnesotan. Archives research is supported by a grant from the Hill Family Foundation.