Tribal Libraries in the United States: A Directory of American Indian and Alaska Native Facilities

by Elizabeth Peterson
McFarland and Co. (2007)

Review by Michael W. Simpson

This book fills an important gap in library directories. When I was trying to locate libraries in Indian country, I quickly became frustrated. Mainstream directories offered little assistance. The internet offered little assistance since many libraries were not listed. Some were housed in facilities used for more than one purpose so they were not listed as libraries.

This directory lists 237 libraries. It was compiled by surveying 280 tribes and Institute for Museum and Library Services grant recipients. Libraries are organized by state with a useful map. Contact information, holdings, and hours are provided. This is a useful resource and could be used by tribal college libraries to build strong networks.

Michael W. Simpson, J.D., M.Ed., is an educator, social justice advocate, and scholar living in Tucson, AZ. He can be reached via email: mwsjd85@aol.com.