Japanese Natural History collection
The University of Kansas Libraries holds a variety of Japanese 「古典籍」(i.e., manuscripts and prints) on a number of natural history topics, primarily produced during the Edo period (1600-1868). Most of these materials are held at the Kenneth Spencer Research Library, with additional materials in other campus libraries. One of the major strengths of KU's collection is studies on falconry. Many of these volumes were purchased from Dawson's Book Shop in 1967, who received them from 平野四郎 (Hirano Shirō), an omithologist, collector of books on ornithology, and active member of 日本野鳥の会 (Nihon Yachō no Kai), Wild Bird Society of Japan.
This online collection features digital copies of a number of these works and is expected to grow over time.