The Professor John Howard Birss, Jr. Memorial Lecture and Professor John Howard Birss, Jr. Memorial Library Fund were established by University alumnus, Robert Blais '70, to honor Professor John Howard Birss, Jr., nationally recognized for his knowledge of first editions.
The annual lecture series provides a unique opportunity to study a single text in depth and to investigate why these significant works remain relevant for modern readers. Each year, the University celebrates a book with a prominent anniversary. Past selections have included Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird;” Elie Wiesel’s “Night;” Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road;” Ray Branbury’s “Fahrenheit 451;” and Joseph Heller’s “Catch 22.” As a companion to every lecture, an exhibit is mounted in the University Library that contains a variety of artifacts, photographs and historical records relating to the author and the text.
There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment.
Researchers are advised that express written permission to reproduce, quote, or otherwise publish any portion or extract from this collection must be obtained from the University Library. Although Roger Williams University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim copyright except where noted. It is up to the researcher to determine the owners of the rights and to obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Birss Memorial Lecture Series and Exhibit Materials, UA 2014.005, Roger Williams University.
The collection is composed of materials created or collected in support of Roger Williams University's annual Professor John Howard Birss, Jr. Memorial Lecture and University Library Exhibit.
The collection is arranged chronologically by year.
Exhibit materials created or collected by library staff are retained by the University Archives. Video recordings of lectures and events are created by Media Services and retained by the University Archives.