About OMA

Overview

The OSU Libraries' Oregon Multicultural Archives will comprehensively acquire, preserve and make available collections that document the lives and activities of African American, Asian American, Latino and Native American communities of Oregon. The diverse collections will reflect how these communities have contributed to the identity of the state of Oregon. The collection will advance scholarship in ethnic studies and racial diversity both on the Oregon State University campus as well as on a state and regional level. The Oregon Multicultural Archives will help strengthen the university's core value of diversity, which enhances OSU's "teaching, scholarship, and service as well as our ability to welcome, respect, and interact with other people." (OSU Strategic Plan).

Collections documenting all cultural and ethnic groups in Oregon will be identified and acquired, with initial emphasis on collections pertaining to Oregon's Latino community. These new collections will build upon the variety of materials currently held by the OSU Archives that pertain to these communities, which include records of student organizations; records from administrative departments that reflect the diversity of OSU's students, faculty and staff; photographs and motion picture films that document the Bracero workers during World War II; photographs of Native American communities in Oregon taken over the past century; and sound recordings of Native American language.

Stakeholders

In order for the multicultural archive to succeed it is important to include various key groups that are internal and external to the university, for support and possible sources for collection development.

• OSU Libraries, particularly library leadership (LAMP, University Librarian, Associate University Librarians, Development Officer), University Archives staff, appropriate subject liaisons
• University's top administrators and key support units
• Office of Community & Diversity
• Faculty
• Ethnic Studies Department
• President's Board of Visitors for Minority Affairs
• Association of Faculty for the Advancement of People of Color
• Community to Diversity Task Force
• Student leaders of OSU's cultural centers and other organizations supporting students of color and diversity
• Minority Education Office
• Local community leaders and organizations

Benefits to OSU

• Support curriculum in various departments and programs: Ethnic Studies, History, Anthropology, Sociology, Economics, Extension, Contemporary Hispanic Studies, Foreign Languages and Literatures, and Interdisciplinary Studies.
• Support for student, faculty and staff organizations representing cultural and ethnic groups by creating a legacy through preserving the historical record of those organizations.
• Help attract and retain under represented students and faculty to OSU.