Citations (Library Newsletter) September 2001

The Library has received a two-year $127,893 award from the National Endowment for the Humanities to create a comprehensive and current bibliographic database of almost 12,000 graduate theses and dissertations addressing American Indian topics.

Theses and dissertations are the largest single source of primary research information about Native American peoples. By expanding access to this research information, the project will facilitate the work of tribal libraries collecting information on their own tribe and region. It will encourage improved quality in research and scholarship on American Indian topics, and it will increase opportunities for cross-cultural research. The project will build on two previous works by Frederick and Alice Dockstader, published by the Museum of the American Indian in 1957 and 1974.

The project is intended to address NMSU diversity and state-wide service goals as well as the Library goal of providing user-focused products and services. Dr. Charles Townley, project director, will work with an advisory committee of nationally known scholars and librarians to create the bibliography. A register of current research will provide information about American Indian research in progress. “I have wanted to do this project for fifteen years,” said Townley. “It will be a great advance in American Indian scholarship and strengthen NMSU’s role in the Native American community.” For more information, please contact Dr. Townley at 646-7121 or ctownley@lib.nmsu.edu.