Reed Library wins grant from Nippon Foundation to expand collection

The international book collection at SUNY Fredonia’s Reed Library will soon be greatly enhanced, thanks to an award from The Nippon Foundation’s “Read Japan” book donation program.

The award category, “100 Books for Understanding Contemporary Japan,” will bring to Reed Library an extensive collection of books chosen to help non-experts gain a basic understanding about Japan.

Written by respected authorities, they cover Japanese politics, government, international relations, economics, business, society, culture, literature, the arts and history. Delivery is anticipated in late November.

The collection contains titles such as: Japan Rising, The Resurgence of Japanese Power and Purpose by Kenneth Pyle; Who Was Responsible?--a comprehensive study by Japan's prestigious daily Yomiuri newspaper about the decisions that led to the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the start of the Pacific War; Tsukiji, The Fish Market at the Center of the World, by Theodore Bestor--a colorful insider's look at how to understand Japanese culture by looking at what they eat; plus more subjects which are delightfully informative and educational.

Initiated by Randy Gadikian, director of Library Services, the project represents a new chapter in SUNY Fredonia’s longstanding ties with Japan.

"SUNY Fredonia has deeply rooted partnerships with Japanese institutions including Aichi University of Education, Aichi Prefectural University, Niigata University, and the Kanazawa University Technology Licensing Organization - Nihonkai Innovation Technology Transfer (KUTLO-NITT), a consortium of 11 Japanese universities and 2 technology licensing organizations,” said SUNY Fredonia President Dennis Hefner.

These programs, Hefner noted, have been utilized by SUNY Fredonia and Japanese students, faculty and staff members for international cooperation and academic exchange to strengthen understanding of each other’s culture, language and tradition for many years.