Black studies

Statement of programs and library needs

The Black Studies Program, a component of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, offers an interdisciplinary concentration as part of a liberal arts and sciences major. Scholars and students in Black Studies draw on the traditions of history, literature, sociology, political science, fine arts, and other disciplines, but bring to their work a unique focus concerned primarily with the experience of African Americans and secondarily with that of other minorities. While most courses taken by students in Black Studies are cross-listed as departmental offerings, the program does offer several undergraduate courses.

It is expected that most materials of importance in Black Studies will be selected by the bibliographers responsible for history, literature, and the many other disciplines which have contributed to Black Studies. The role of the Black Studies bibliographer is to make sure that other bibliographers are aware of programmatic needs and to complement their selection when necessary. Because Black Studies draws so broadly on other disciplines, the following section, and in particular its description of collecting practices within subject classes, is not intended to be comprehensive.

I. Collection areas

A. Area: Black Studies

 

B. Classes and Levels

E 184.5-E185.98    American History--African Americans        Research
HT 1501-1595       Sociology--Races   			      Research
JK 1781-1783       Politics, civil rights--African Americans  Research
JK 1923-1929       African American suffrage                  Research

C. Chronology

Selection efforts emphasize current materials, though deficiencies in classic works are addressed when they are detected.

D. Geographic Guidelines

Materials published in and about the United States are heavily emphasized. Works on the African roots of contemporary African Americans, and minority affairs world wide, especially those of persons of color, are also acquired.

E. Languages

English language materials predominate heavily.

F. Treatment

Scholarly materials are emphasized. Primary materials, including statements expressing the political or social beliefs of past and present African Americans, are also acquired. Both scholarly and popular journals on African American life are maintained. An effort is made to acquire nearly everything on the topic of Black Studies as a discipline.

G. Formats

Primarily print for monographs and most journals, though electronic full-text is also of growing importance for journals. Bibliographic databases are available through the Internet.

H. Multiple copies

Multiple copies of heavily used titles, especially those of a more serious nature, are acquired as funds permit.

II. Acquisition Strategy

The libraries maintain an approval plan for books from many university press and significant trade publishers and standing orders for many important serials. The Black Studies bibliographer attempts to maintain an awareness of relevant materials acquired in related disciplines and to acquire complementary materials which will directly support the program.

III. Collection Notes

Textbooks and books of readings are occasionally acquired. The interdisciplinary nature of the program requires close coordination among librarians and an openness to communication from library patrons.

Revised 11/2000