Library Policy Statements

I. PROGRAM INFORMATION

The Ethnic Studies Program, initiated in 1970, is an interdisciplinary program focusing on undergraduate education. Ethnic studies combine traditional and contemporary methodologies on issues of race, ethnicity, and class. The program's focus is Hawaii with its multiethnic heritages but the research, teaching, and service components include the United States and comparative studies of international societies. The program offers a BA degree or a Certificate in Ethnic Studies.

Courses in the department are divided into three major areas: the history and experience of specific groups (for example, African Americans), individual courses on specific groups in Hawaii (Caucasians, Chinese, Filipinos, Hawaiians, Japanese, and Koreans), and topical issues such as ethnic identity, ethnic literature, land tenure, social movements, and labor history.

II. COORDINATION OF COLLECTING RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition to its own literature, the department draws on the materials from disciplines such as American studies, history, literature, sociology, and women's studies.

Hawaiian Collection

The Hawaiian Collection acquires duplicate copies of heavily used titles for BHSD, often in close consultation with appropriate selectors.

Pacific Collection

The Pacific Collection acquires duplicate copies of heavily used titles for BHSD.

Asia Collection

The Asia Collection is responsible for collecting materials about Asia written in English and the vernacular languages.

Wong AV Center

Audiovisual material is selected by the Wong AV Center in close consultation with the Ethnic Studies selector.

IV. GUIDELINES TO MATERIAL COLLECTED OR EXCLUDED

Language:

English.

Chronological:

No limitations, although current imprints are emphasized.

Geographic:

No limitations, although the program focuses on the United States, Hawaii, the Pacific basin, and Asia.

Date of Publication: No limitations, although contemporary materials are emphasized.

Types/Formats of Materials Collected:

Books and serials in hard copy make up the largest part of the collection. Government documents and audiovisual materials are also collected. Dissertations are rarely acquired.

Electronic Formats:

Materials in electronic format are selectively acquired.

Treatment:

Limited to cultural, economic, historical, political, social, and theoretical aspects. Customs and folklore of specific ethnic groups are actively collected.

Date compiled: 6/2001 Compiler: Jodie Mattos