2019 Reports

Toshiba Library for Japanese Legal Research in the Arthur W. Diamond Law Library: The Birth of Walter Gellhorn’s Brainchild

Nakashima, Yukino

Behind the façade of a library—books, study rooms, and computer terminals—lies many human stories. This paper chronicles events surrounding the creation of the largest academic Japanese law library in the United States. It focuses on two extraordinary law faculty members at Columbia and their successful fundraising efforts from the initial concept of building a Japanese law library through the establishment of permanent funding. It recounts insightful visions, perseverance, and lasting personal relationships. It explores possibilities for the library going forward.