Cornell staked a claim in hip hop history this weekend, and Kroch library just gained some serious street cred.

On Friday and Saturday Cornell played host to “Born in the Bronx: A Conference Celebrating Hip Hop at Cornell,” as part of the inauguration of a new collection of photographs, posters and recordings documenting the inception of hip hop in the Bronx. In addition to academic sessions and a history of hip hop, the conference also featured a panel of hip hop legends including Afrika Bambaataa and Grandwizzard Theodore, the inventor of turntable scratching.

The enthusiasm and support for hip hop culture shown by the Cornell Library, particularly Kroch Rare and Manuscript librarian Katherine Reagan, is to be applauded. The Library’s efforts the highlight this collection show a foresight and open-mindedness that is sorely needed in Arts and Sciences. With scientific research and technology projects seeming to attract much of the University’s focus and funding, it was refreshing to see the Library assert its own ability to innovate and attract new attention, especially in an area that holds so much promise.

The “Born in the Bronx” collection is an example of Cornell’s commitment to diversity in study, not just in its student body. The message of education and self-esteem promoted by Friday’s panelists was a welcome rebuff to those who parrot divisive rap lyrics as emblematic of hip hop culture. The University’s willingness to showcase that message was groundbreaking, and an important sign that creative arts are still alive and kicking on this campus.

More Cornell students should have been at the conference, which was free and open to everyone. Similarly, too few ever make the trip to Kroch Library to see Cornell’s rare and valuable collections, which are available to anyone interested. Those who haven’t should take the take the opening of the “Born in the Bronx” collection as an opportunity to take a look at some of the materials that sustain Cornell’s status as an incomparable destination for authors and scholars. At the very least, you’re guaranteed to get some great new playlist ideas.

At a time when historic universities and libraries are fighting to stay relevant, Cornell must continue to find way to innovate and revise archaic ideas of academia. “Born in the Bronx,” both the conference and collection, are exciting steps towards making that innovation happen. Hopefully, it is the beginning of a trend that meshes student interests, universal issues, and the pop culture that colors our own studies. As anyone present in Bailey Hall last Friday will attest, hip hop has arrived at Cornell — we can only hope its here to stay.