University Library to be renamed by highest bidder

The announcement that Cambridge University Library (the UL) is seeking to sell its name in return for a major donation has sparked a furious debate among the academic community.

A statement on the UL's website describes it as "the ultimate commemorative naming opportunity," adding that "Oxford has its Bodleian, Harvard has its Widener, Yale has its Beinecke, Manchester its Rylands. In Cambridge, the University Library is one of few such institutions of equivalent stature in the Western world that remains un-named. This represents a unique opportunity to recognise an exceptional and transformative benefaction in perpetuity."

The University is at present running a major £1billion fundraising scheme, tying in with the celebrations of its 800th year. Some of the Library's most senior positions are also available to be endowed.

A University spokesperson said: "Cambridge University Library, like all similar institutions, regularly explores the full range of funding opportunities open to it as it seeks to maintain its position as one of the world's greatest research libraries.

"Securing a substantial permanent endowment for the Library remains a high priority."

The renaming of the UL, however, is opposed by some fellows.

Professor Gillian Evans, Emeritus Professor of Medieval Theology and Intellectual History, does not believe the name of the Library should ever be changed "if it means satisfying the vanity of a benefactor".

Professor Evans said: "The ideal benefactor would just give money to be used as the University thought fit and modestly wave away the very suggestion that they might want their name attached to it.

"And suppose they change the name and then an even richer benefactor comes along and wants it changed again?"

The professor added: "The problem with big bucks is that the more money there is on offer the more the benefactor thinks they can change the terms on which it will be used and the feebler the University is in standing its ground.

Professor Evans said: "The ideal benefactor would just give money to be used as the University thought fit and modestly wave away the very suggestion that they might want their name attached to it. And suppose they change the name and then an even richer benefactor comes along and wants it changed again?"

She added: "The problem with big bucks is that the more money there is on offer the more the benefactor thinks they can change the terms on which it will be used and the feebler the University is in standing its ground. No amount of money ought to be able to buy control of academic activities."

There has been no suggestion from the University, however, that the benefactor would have control over anything other than the new name of the Library. A central concern of Professor Evans is that "some grotesquely commercial giant or arms manufacturer" may become a major donor and that the UL would then be renamed after them.

However, a spokesperson for the University insisted: "Any proposal for a major benefaction, including the recognition of a major donor through the renaming of the Library, would be subject to the normal stringent University approval processes."

The renaming is not without support, however. Professor Mary Beard, a fellow of Newnham College, told the Cambridge News & Crier: "I am all for naming things after donors - the university needs the money."

If the UL was to be renamed, it would not be the first Oxbridge institution to be renamed after a benefactor. Oxford University's Bodleian Library was renamed after Sir Thomas Bodley, a former fellow at Merton College, who rescued the Library with a financial donation in 1598.

In Cambridge, University College was renamed 'Wolfson College' in 1973 following a donation from the Wolfson Foundation. More recently, New Hall College was renamed 'Murray Edwards' after a donation from a former alumna, Ros Edwards, and her husband who gave the college £30million. 'Murray' was taken from the name of the college's first president, Dame Rosemary Murray.

Murray Edwards' JCR President Rebecca McAuley, however, expressed a similar concern as Professor Evans over the renaming of the UL. She told The Cambridge Student (TCS): "Although it is imperative for the Library to maintain its financial viability, I find the idea of its possible renaming after a commercial benefactor slightly concerning as it may cause dispute amongst students and academics alike, especially if there is controversy surrounding the benefactor.

"It could also deter future benefactors and taint the image and reputation of the Library amongst students. At Murray Edwards, the name change was completely different: the name represents the history of the college, incorporating a previous prominent president and a successful alumna."

A spokesperson for the University made clear: "At this point in time, the University is not in discussion with any potential donors regarding a benefaction that would lead to a proposal for renaming the Cambridge University Library."

The University would not comment on the amount of money hoped to be raised from this rebranding.

Andrew Georgiou - News Reporter