For More Information Contact:
Pete Cookingham, Turfgrass Information Center 517-353-7209 or by email at cooking1@msu.edu;
Clifford Haka, Director Michigan State University Libraries - 517-432-6123 x 143 or by email at hakac@msu.edu;
Dr. James B Beard – 231-228-6328

Date: July 16, 2003
Dedication of the James B Beard Turfgrass Library Collection

On July 16, 2003, friends, colleagues, and family members of James B Beard gathered at Michigan State University’s Turfgrass Information Center for the dedication of the James B Beard Turfgrass Library Collection.

Dr. Beard served at Michigan State University (MSU) from 1961–1975, and at Texas A&M University from 1975–1992. After his retirement from Texas A&M, he became President and Chief Scientist of the International Sports Turf Institute. Beard’s classic Turfgrass: Science and Culture, published in 1973 and still in print, continues as the landmark publication regarding turfgrass science. His Turf Management for Golf Courses, first released in 1982 and revised in 2002, remains the best-selling reference work in the field.

Dr. Beard is a world-renowned turfgrass scientist. He authored 257 scientific papers, 382 articles, and six books. The Beard turfgrass collection is acknowledged to be the finest personal collection of turf-related material in existence. It includes international coverage of the turfgrass research and management literature contained in more than 30,000 books, periodicals, and technical reports. The Beard Collection serves as a non-circulating reference collection within the Turfgrass Information Center in the Main Library. The Turfgrass Information File (TGIF) will provide article-level access to all items within the Collection. TGIF, an online database indexing and abstracting the literature of turfgrass, is jointly sponsored by the United States Golf Association (USGA), and the MSU Libraries. The MSU Libraries maintain, produce, and host the TGIF.

This generous donation is but the latest effort by Harriet and Dr. James B Beard in support of the Center’s work and objectives, including the Turfgrass Information Center Endowment Campaign. The arrival of the Beard Collection makes MSU the strongest public repository of turfgrass literature in the world. Friends of the MSU Libraries, representatives from the United States Golf Association, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, and the Royal Canadian Golf Association, Michigan Turfgrass Foundation, Turfgrass Information Center Advisory Committee, and numerous academic researchers from several universities were on hand to observe the dedication. MSU Vice President Fred Poston stated “turfgrass research is one of Michigan State University’s designated areas of excellence and the Beard Collection is a vital asset for turf researchers world-wide.” MSU Libraries Director, Clifford H. Haka observed that the Beard Collection is a significant donation to the Turfgrass Information Center and the MSU Libraries are profoundly grateful for the generosity of Harriet and James B Beard.

Photographs available for this release:

1.) The Beard family at the dedication
(l to r) daughter-in-law Kathey and son James C., granddaughter Amanda, and Harriet and Dr. James B Beard

2.) Dr. James B Beard and MSU Director of Libraries Clifford H. Haka

3.) James B Beard Turfgrass Library Collection Bookplate

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