Content provided in partnership with
Native American literature for young people: a survey of collection development methods in public libraries
Library Trends, Wntr, 1993 by Renee Tjoumas
INTRODUCTION
The American cultural tapestry is composed of a rich weave of numerous ethnic heritages and linguistic groups. The librarian's professional obligation is to develop balanced collections to support culturally pluralistic programs which reflect this diversity. Therefore, one of the most challenging responsibilities for library personnel is the selection of appropriate resources to meet the educational and recreational needs of children and adolescents. Exposure to such materials fosters in young people a positive regard for individual and group differences which, in turn, enhances the communication links among members of our multicultural society.
- Most Popular Articles in Reference
- The importance of understanding organizational culture
- Credit card attitudes and behaviors of college students
- What factors attract foreign direct investment?
- Libraries Need Relationship Marketing - mutual interest marketing concept, ...
- How to set performance goals: employee reviews are more than annual critiques
- More »
A carefully constructed collection of Native American literature can function on a variety of levels. For Indian youth, this literature could assist them in becoming aware of their own heritage and the unique contributions of Indian people to the world at large. On the other hand, these materials could open an aperture of understanding for non-Indian patrons to respect the rights of American Indians. These resources could also facilitate the work of librarians in formulating innovative outreach programs and services (Kuipers, 1991, pp. 3-4).
The purpose of this article is to provide a preliminary strategy for determining to what degree public librarians outside of the reservation context are actively engaged in collecting Native American literature for young patrons. A second objective is to identify the criteria and resources librarians use in selecting these materials. For clarification, the designations Native American and American Indian will be used interchangeably throughout the text, and they are employed here to include Eskimo and Aleut populations. The structure of this article consists of four segments: (1) literature survey; (2) research methodology and data collection; (3) analysis and interpretation; and (4) recommendations and conclusions.
LITERATURE SURVEY
An examination of the professional literature revealed two significant themes. The first topic pertained to library services specifically designed to meet the needs of Native American patrons. Embedded in the context of these publications, information was located on public library programs and, to a lesser extent, collection development issues. The second subject identified in these writings concerned Native American literature for young patrons. A number of these publications reflected the biases and stereotypes of ten contained in these materials. In other publications, these concerns and issues were translated into a set of criteria for evaluation and/ or selection.
LIBRARY SERVICES
Charles T. Townley (1978) described the role of libraries in the lives of American Indians as "inconsequential" until the mid-twentieth century (p. 142). At that point in time, the concept of self-determination, which emerged from the Native American community, was finally accepted by federal policymakers. As American Indians assumed maximum participation in managing their communities, the need for information sources to assist them in decision-making processes was recognized. Coupled with this trend, library professionals had become increasingly concerned with widening their service base to a broader audience. These factors stimulated an innovative phase in American Indian library services during the period 1957 through 1973 in all types of information environments including the public library outside the reservation setting.
June Smeck Smith (1971) conducted a study, which was implemented during this first phase of development, to ascertain the state of library services for Indian patrons. Letters of inquiry were sent to a variety of institutions and included: (1) education agencies and state libraries in states with large Indian populations; (2) urban libraries where Indian communities were located; (3) colleges and schools with a sizable ratio of Indian student enrollments; and (4) the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs. An analysis of the collected data revealed that "library service to Indians, whether public, school or academic, is generally an integral part of the library service being provided for students or the general public" (p. 228).
Smith proceeded to discuss the developments within each type of library environment. In terms of public or community libraries, she commented on a variety of projects designed specifically to expand services to reservation areas and identified a range of problems encountered in implementing these programs. Among the difficulties enumerated were the natural suspicions and shyness of the Indian community, linguistic barriers, and patrons' diverse literacy levels. These factors, according to the author, could be counteracted by tact and a search for the appropriate materials.
In the urban environment, Native Americans often encountered cultural confusion and a sense of displacement when separated from their tribal communities which often resulted in making them invisible. These factors made it especially difficult for public librarians to reach this user group. Among the programs described by the author were: 1. The St. Paul Public Library's assistance to the local American
Find Research Guides for:
Find Featured Titles for: Technology
Most Popular Articles in Reference
- The importance of understanding organizational culture
- Credit card attitudes and behaviors of college students
- What factors attract foreign direct investment?
- Libraries Need Relationship Marketing - mutual interest marketing concept, ...
- How to set performance goals: employee reviews are more than annual critiques
- More »