Surplus books, journals on way to Mexico

Some 800 boxes of surplus books, journals and other scholarly materials are on their way to Mexico thanks to the continuing efforts of botany professor emeritus Hugh Iltis and others on campus.

Over the past decade, Iltis has organized the collection of more than 50 tons of books and journals for the University of Guadalajara, Mexico. The university is building two new libraries, including one near the Sierra de Manantlan, a scientific reserve known for its diversity of plant life. Iltis helped establish the reserve.

“It’s just giving them a hand,” says Iltis of the book recycling scheme. Iltis’ work in Mexico brought him in close contact with Mexican scholars and field biologists, and he has long advocated the protection of biologically rich areas of Mexico and other Latin American countries.

Many of the materials donated came from retiring professors and departments running out of room to store the books and journals.