The art of Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak and others will be the focus of a new collection of children’s books acquired by the School of Library and Information Science.

Named after its collectors, the 21,000 books that constitute the Marantz collection are assorted by artist or illustrator, rather than author.

“We’re looking at how art tells a story, as well as how the words interplay and extend, support the art,” said Professor Carolyn Brodie in an e-mail interview.

The collection, which is expected to be in the school’s possession by fall, will benefit the school’s Children’s Librarianship Program.

Brodie said the program prepares students to be children’s librarians in public libraries.

Other programs to benefit are the K-12 School Library Media Program and Library workshops that focus on children’s poetry and literature, she added.

The collection was a gift to the Columbus College of Art and Design in 2000. The college contacted Kent State in September 2006 seeking a permanent location for it.

A 1,600 square foot area will be renovated in the Library to house the collection. The space will be an expansion of the Reinberger Children’s Library Center.

The collection is intended for research purposes only, Brodie said. Therefore, children are not allowed to check out the books.

Contact minority affairs reporter Steve Bushong at [email protected].