Michigan State University Libraries

Collection Development Policy Statement: Cesar E. Chavez Collection on Chicano/Boricua Studies

This circulating collection is comprised of newer publications, classics and some reference materials. It will be periodically reviewed for currency, to accommodate additions to the collection, and weeding as required based on weeding guidelines established for this collection

In combination with other Chicano and Puerto Rican (Boricua) Studies material in main and its branches, the Chavez Collection will support the courses of study offered by the University at the undergraduate and graduate levels in the areas of Chicano Studies and Puerto Rican Studies, and will provide resource material needed to support independent scholarly research.

A. Languages: English is the primary language of the collection. Works published in German, French and Italian are purchased when available in English or Spanish translation.

B. Chronological Guidelines: Materials from the early Spanish explorers of the sixteenth century to the present are acquired.

C. Geographical Guidelines: Inclusive of United States boundaries and the United States-Mexico borderlands. Titles pertaining to the experiences of Chicanos and Boricua's abroad will also be included.

D. Treatment of Subject: All materials dealing with any aspect of Chicanos and Puerto Ricans in the United States at any level are acquired. Exceptional juvenile titles may be included based on the importance of the author's standing in Chicano/Boricua Studies. Works which treat historical, social, cultural, and political aspects of Chicanos and Puerto Ricans in the U.S. are especially of interest. In particular, material dealing with Chicano/Boricua migrants, farm workers and Cesar Chavez, will be collected.

E. Types of Materials: In addition to the monographs and serials, the Libraries acquires conference proceedings on Chicano or Boricua issues, publications of Chicano and Latino research centers, reports of private or quasi-public agencies, publications of Chicano and Latino professional organizations and all types of audiovisual materials-sound recordings, videocassette, slides etc. (especially those unique and locally produced items) -posters, theses and dissertations, relevant government documents (especially state and federal), and ephemeral. Non-book materials/titles will be housed in the appropriate locations (audio-video in DMC, ephemera in SPC, etc.)

F. Date of Publication: Emphasis is on current works, but retrospective works are also acquired.

G. Duplicate copies will be given consideration based on title, cost, use and availability.

[NOTE: Materials relating to Chicano and Boricua studies in any and all subject areas and subject subdivisions are also collected by the Ethnic Studies Bibliographer and Latin American Studies Bibliographer. In addition, subject specialists such as the Fire Arts Librarian; Music Librarian, Special Collections Librarian, etc. contribute to the overall development of the Chicano and Boricua Studies collection. The classification numbers listed below are those at which substantial quantities of materials are found; however, due to the scope of the collection, the listing is not all-inclusive. The location and pertinent bibliographer is also noted.]