Collection development in California Indian tribal libraries

Abstract

The tribal library is a community center that serves the unique information needs of a Native American community. A tribal library can be a kind of public library for the community, an education and literacy center, as well as an archive that records and preserves the heritage of a tribe. However, tribal libraries typically struggle with inadequate and unstable funding, and in California are often denied the benefits of resource‐sharing agreements within library networks. Tribal library collection development also presents special challenges in terms of identifying, locating and acquiring the materials most needed. This paper provides guidelines for selection of materials, suggestions for sources of Native American materials with an emphasis on California Indians, as well as selected titles for California tribal libraries.