The Guido Family Collection in Italian Studies was established in 2003 by Dr. John A. Guido Jr., son of Italian immigrants John Sr. and Carmella (Greco). John Jr. has three siblings, Constantino “Connie,” Joseph, and John. The fund was established to honor the Guido family’s heritage and advance the resources in Italian literature held by the Hesburgh Libraries.

John Jr. served in World War II, after which he practiced as a general medical/surgical doctor for a brief time. He then became specialized and certified in neuropsychiatry. He practiced in Fullerton-Anaheim, California, until 2000 when he retired. At Notre Dame, John is a member of the Badin Guild.

From the Guido Family Endowment, the Libraries’ Italian Language and Literature collection increased by more than 1,000 titles in one year alone, adding volumes on the topics of historical language development, poetry, linguistics, and new fiction. Some exceptional rare book acquisitions – items pertaining to authors Dante Alighieri and Pier Paolo Pasolni – were also made. Previous gaps in the fields of film studies and vernacular literature are filling in as holdings are purchased to accommodate growing areas of student interest.

With important journal subscriptions, books from decades past, missing back issues, and critical electronic resources available, students are able to immerse themselves in the study of Italian literature, culture, art, architecture, history, and politics.