karyn j blog 7; American Indian Oral History Collection

This week I decided to look for something from my home state. This search took me to New Mexico's Digital Collections, which is a part of my alma mater's rival school. I was a little disappointed, but hopefully I’ll have better luck next week.

Collection Principles

This American Indian Oral History Collection documents oral traditions and recollections of Native Americans. University of New Mexico graduate recorded the interviews between 1967 and 1972. The majority of the interviews are Navajos and New Mexico Pueblos discussing personal and family histories and other aspects of Native American life, including commentaries on the 1968 Civil Rights Act, the Red Power Movement, and the occupation of Alcatraz.

Restrictions for this collection are that it is for educational use only. The interviews can only be access if you are physically at the University of New Mexico. However, interview descriptions are available to the public. This collection was funded by a grant from the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation and the support of Deborah Giannelli.

Object Characteristics

Each of the interviews and transcripts are identified by title, source (tape or transcript), subject, description of the interview or transcript, and some have the original date. When you go to the link for the item, there is no additional information other than a note that says the file is restricted. To search within the collection there is a keyword search and advanced search in which you can search by title, subject, language, or tape number.

Metadata

The metadata for this collection is informative. The descriptors for each item are: title, contributors, interviewer, subject, description, language, type, source, publisher, relation, rights, date digital, digitization specifications, and format. The metadata informs the user when and how it was digitized and where the physical item can be found. Maybe another field for restrictions would also be helpful.

Intended Audience

According to the about the collection page, this collection is for educational purposes only. However, this collection would be beneficial to anyone (both researchers and casual browsers) interested in the history of Native Americans as told by individuals who experienced it. That is if they can access it. The website for this collection is okay, but I think inability to access the interviews takes away from the information they are trying to share. Also, transcripts for each of the interviews would be helpful.