Anger after book burning plan

15/04-11 kl. 09:00 Education

Why burn the books? Politicians are angered by a University of Copenhagen decision to burn several hundred thousand tomes to make room for a new knowledge centre

by Mike Young

The University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Humanities has sent the first batches of books off to the incinerator, as part of its plan to merge four department libraries into a 'knowledge centre' in 2013, where there is not enough shelf space.

In the meantime, chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Technology and Science Marianne Jelved is not amused.

»It sounds very dramatic, and I think the University should consider saying to society and other educational institutions, that they are welcome to come and get the books for free. This is a better idea than burning them,« she says.

Surely others can find a use for them?

Minister of Science Charlotte Sahl-Madsen will not force the University of Copenhagen to change its decision. But she hopes that the decision is well-considered, she says:

»These are books that have been bought for taxpayers' money, and they are probably relevant and good books. Surely others could find a use for them, when the University of Copenhagen does not believe that it can.«

miy@adm.ku.dk

Stay in the know about news and events happening in Copenhagen by signing up for the University Post's weekly newsletter here.

What do you think of the book burn plan?

1 comment

Write a comment

22/04-11 kl. 00:00 Anonymous:

give them to me

I was really sad to hear such a story and worried about the prospect of world history after some times.If the university doesn't have the space to shelf these massive books, better it gives to universities in Africa and other poor continents.They may re claim if they need them back one day lol .even i am pretty happy if they give me some tones of same

17/05-12 kl. 08:30 Culture

Top 10: Spring tips for guys

Guys: Springtime isn't just for the ladies. The University Post has put some things together to keep you occupied for the next couple of months

See also:: Top 10: Spring tips for guys, part 2; Top 10: Spring tips for girls; Top 10: Spring tips for girls, part 2

16/05-12 kl. 10:11 Education

Lost generation may find their way yet

A generation of university graduates wonders how they are ever going to get a job that matches their qualifications. But according to new European statistics, there is hope

See also:: Graphic: Where are the jobs in Europe?

15/05-12 kl. 13:00 Culture

This Sunday: Piano virtuoso to play John Cage

Artistic event to feature mushrooms, silence, and music. Special guest is virtuoso pianist Rolf Hind who will play avant garde master John Cage. Free entrance for everyone

15/05-12 kl. 07:55 Research / Humanities

Historians debate Copenhagen links to Nazis

University of Copenhagen scientists kept co-operating with Nazified German scientists during the 1930's, and the official University upheld a co-operation policy with the Nazis from 1940. Recent conference sheds light on a murky period in Danish history

15/05-12 kl. 06:17 Culture

Turkish writer Orhan Pamuk gets Sonning prize

Prestigious cultural award goes to a man who has 'challenged cultural boundaries', says jury

14/05-12 kl. 12:34 Campus / Life Science

See photos from the Life Sciences revue

The revue spirit is spreading throughout the university. Our photographer visited the former Faculty of Life Sciences over the weekend as the students got on stage to mock university life