University Library Boasts Turfgrass Collection

Michigan State University is now home to the James B. Beard Turfgrass Library Collection.

The collection, a compilation of the world-renowned turfgrass scientist’s works, now resides in the university library’s turfgrass information center. Beard’s anthology includes 257 scientific papers, 382 articles and five books.

Beard’s works were officially introduced to the library in a recent dedication ceremony. The gathering honored Beard, who worked at the university from 1961 to 1975.

The turfgrass materials are considered one of the finest personal collections of turf-related material in existence. It includes international coverage of turfgrass research and management literature contained in more than 30,000 books, periodicals and technical reports. Beard’s collection now serves as a non-circulating reference in Michigan State library.

The author is Assistant Editor-Internet of Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at aanderson@lawnandlandscape.com.