Big sci-fi collection donated to Algoma U library

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ALGOMA UNIVERSITY

************************* Wishart Library receives new donation of materials from science-fiction's 'golden age'

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - (July 22) - Local science-fiction and fantasy literature fans have reason to rejoice: the Arthur A. Wishart Library at Algoma University has a new collection of classic materials for its archives, thanks to a generous donation from Dr. Ralph Gordon Stanton.

The Ralph G. Stanton science and fantasy fiction collection is comprised of over two hundred paperback works and hundreds of volumes from 46 different periodicals.

"Part of what makes a university library great is its unique research collections," says Algoma University Library Director Ken Hernden. "Dr. Stanton's generosity supports our ability to provide research opportunities to our students and faculty, as well as to attract scholars from around the world who are interested in these increasingly popular and important genres of storytelling."

Notable among the materials are 37 volumes of Astounding Science Fiction which was published from 1939 to 1960.

In the 1940's, under the direction of Editor Joseph W. Campbell, Astounding Science Fiction was the pre-eminent publication that ushered in Sci-Fi's golden age.

The publication was home to many venerated authors such as A.E Van Vogt and Frank Russell.

It also featured early works from writers who would later become famous such as Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein and L. Ron Hubbard.

Other noteworthy periodicals in the collection include Amazing Stories and Fantasy and Science Fiction.

The donor of the materials, Dr. Stanton, has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in academics.

In 1956 he was recruited to the University of Waterloo to head the department of mathematics.

In this position Stanton recruited influential professors and helped establish a graduate program.

He was also instrumental in establishing mathematics as a separate faculty in 1967, making Waterloo the first University to do so in North America.

Since its inception, the symbol of Waterloo's faculty of mathematics is a pink tie, in homage to Stanton who is famous for his fondness for loud and colourful ties.

Since 1996, Dr. Stanton has been a very generous donor to the Wishart Library.

In addition to the science fiction and fantasy collection he has also donated large numbers of books in many disciplines that are in use throughout the library.

In 2007, he donated Choix de Rapports Opinions et Discours pronounces a la Tribune National depuis 1789 jusqu'a ce jour; recuellis en ordre chronologique et historique (1819) to the rare books collection.

States Hernden: "The Wishart Library at Algoma University has the staff expertise, climate controlled facilities, and information systems to preserve and make accessible rare and unique collections to future generations of students and scholars. We strongly encourage potential donors to consider Algoma University as a home for their rare or unique items. Through the Algoma University Foundation, the library is able to offer donors of gifts-in-kind charitable tax receipts matching the fair market value of the donations."

About Algoma University

Algoma University is Ontario's newest university.

Home to approximately 1,200 students, Algoma University offers a wide variety of liberal arts and sciences degree options including programs in computer science, business administration, fine arts, community economic & social development, and biology.

Algoma University is committed to offering a personal education experience unlike any university in Ontario.

To learn more, please visit Algomau.ca.

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