Chicago State University
Announcement of a Sole Source Purchase
Awarded to:Vendor: Dr.Thomas H. Wirth, Elizabeth, NJ
Amount:
$80,880
Terms: One-time transaction
The University award process may be delayed up to thirty days as this award goes through a state approval process.
First published Wednesday, March 5, 2008
The University awarded a contract for the collection of Dr. Thomas Wirth to Dr.Thomas H. Wirth, Elizabeth, NJ, for
$80,880
.
The Thomas Wirth Collection is a unique rare book and special collection in African-American made available by the collector's decision to liquidate the private collection due to retirement and financial need. CSU learned about the opportunity through connections between HBCU presidents, and quietly LIS has been negotiation for its acquisition without this being made known, since competition between institutions would drive the price beyond the university's capability. The whole collection contains more than 6,000 titles, one of the best such collections in recent years to become available. Acquisition for CSU, with its minority-serving, urban mission is appropriate. The Collection will become part of the Leadership Collections in the Dept. of Archives and Special Collections in the University Library, forming a research base for decades to come. It is anticipated the collection will come to CSU in three phases; this is the first phase, consisting of 431 18-19th century titles in first editions and collector condition; most titles are rare and the entire collection with this provenance is unique, literally one of a kind. No other provider is possible.
This purchase is only economically available from a single source because the
procurement is art, entertainment services, or athletic events.
For additional information, contact:
