University Libraries as Advocates for Latin American Indigenous Languages and Cultures

Abstract

The revitalization of Latin American Indigenous languages started many years ago, but only some university libraries in the United States have taken steps to advocate for preservation, access, inclusion, and diversity through collection building covering these languages and cultures. This study examines holdings of Quechua, Nahuatl, Guaraní, Zapotec, Maya, Mapudungun, and Aymara materials in 87 university libraries in the United States. This study seeks to answer the question: are university libraries in the United States supporting inclusion and diversity through the purchase of Latin American Indigenous language materials? In addition, the author explores what initiatives university libraries could take to further the revitalization and advancement of these Indigenous languages.