As a result of the global pandemic, many academic and research libraries are reevaluating existing collection priorities and implementing e-only policies to provide access to scholarly content to support curricular instruction and research remotely. Most print collections closed during the COVID-19 crisis, and the already existing focus on online and digital collections has increased. However, these e-only policies have a tremendous impact on academic disciplines that rely heavily on print materials, such as Latin American studies. To respond to these developments, the Seminar on the Acquisition of Latin American Library Materials (SALALM) approved the resolution “Collection Development and Equity in the Time of Covid-19.” The presenters, four librarians from academic and research libraries in the United States and members of SALALM, will draw on this resolution and discuss issues related to Latin American and foreign language collections and services. While most collection analyses have focused on English-language collections, the presenters will discuss the state of the Latin American publishing industry, and address how these e-only policies significantly impact library services, affect the network of local vendors, narrow the scope of collections to support area studies research and teaching, and decrease collection diversity and visibility of underrepresented communities and cultures. The presenters will propose and recommend specific actions to facilitate the acquisition of and access to these materials. An open discussion will follow and all attendees are welcome to participate.
