 | CONTENT |  LIBRARY'S CATALOG
HISTORY
MISSION
MEMBERSHIP
COLLECTION HOLDINGS
SERVICES
GENERAL INFORMATION COLLECTION |  | |
The IEN Library's primary goal is to support the Institute's mission to foster understanding of American life, culture and history and serve as a bridge between the United States, Catalonia and all of Spain via:
- Reference Service.
- Bibliographic Information and Referral .
- Free Access to an American Studies collection.
- Borrowing Privileges/Circulating materials.
Although a special library, we use the American public library as our model for the pursuit of intellectual freedom and open access to information. |
LIBRARY'S CATALOG | | |
If you want to visit the Library's Catalog please click HERE. |
HISTORY | | |
The IEN Library was the first North American collection to provide services to the Barcelona community. In existence since the Institute's foundation in 1951, the library of the Casa Americana, as it was first called, served young local professionals who identified with American cultural and democratic ideals during Franco's rule. We offer open access to the public at a time when government libraries abroad have ceased to exist as such. Currently we are the only such full reference and circulating American library in Spain. Our patrons include local government, mass media, cultural organization, university students. |
MISSION | | |
The concept of a public library is central to American democracy- the ideal of open access to information and the necessity of an informed public for the maintenance of a participatory political and social scheme. In keeping with this tradition, the library of the Institute of North American Studies seeks to foster understanding of American life, culture and history and serve as a bridge between the United States, Catalunya and all of Spain.
Through its specialized American studies collection, the library offers reference services, referral and open access to the community at large while striving to serve as an example of technologically up-to-date U.S. library practices. As a symbol of basic American values, the library exemplifies intellectual freedom and multiculturalism including minority groups and non-profit organizations as foci. In embodying these ideals we seek to be a cultural icon of the best that the United States has to offer. Though now sometimes taken for granted, these ideals continue to have relevance for an age in which technology and social policy continue to evolve. |
MEMBERSHIP | | |
Although we offer public access, we are not a government or public library. As part of a Foundation, we depend on private donations. Your membership contribution helps us face the challenge of continuing to offer free library service of high caliber.
Members are offered:
- borrowing privileges (magazines, books and paperbacks). Check out up to 2 titles at one given time for two week periods.
- telephone renewals and extended vacation borrowing.
- reserve materials.
Annual fee (calculated from date of sign-up):
- 14 € for IEN students (please bring along current registration receipt).
- 50 € for external members.
Please also bring one photograph and valid identification (VISA, DNI or passport) and fill out our application form.
Help us serve you:
- Adopt a Periodical/Magazine:
A small donation (18 a 36 €) would help us renew the subscription of your choice from our current magazine listing. Share your favorite title with others.
- Adopt an American Author
Help expand our holdings by contributing to the purchase of your favorite American writer's works; our current selection is limited by financial constraints.
- Buy a Reference Work Coupon
Currently reference books often cost anywhere from 200 to 500 dollars per volume. A donation towards purchase will ensure that the information we give you will be the latest! |
COLLECTION HOLDINGS | | |
The library offers a specialized collection of materials on the United States of America, its culture, society, history, politics and organizations.
Our aim is to provide broad, general American studies coverage as well as referral to further sources of information and reference.
Holdings include:
- 10.000 books
- periodicals
- 600 videos/DVD
- 5 monitors |
SERVICES | | |
A professional librarian with a graduate degree in library science offers free reference consultation to the public. Within the context and limits of our collection and mission we provide the most complete answers possible and also make referrals to other information sources and agencies. We accept inquiries by fax, phone, personal visits and by e-mail: ien@ien.es Among questions answered in the past are: - Could you please inform me as to the legal rights of children in the USA?
- Where are the major American centers of research in ethno-botany?
- I need material on the role of television in the American presidential elections.
- Would you have any information on the state of Florida?
- What U.S. federal agency is in charge of telemarketing regulation?
- Do you have a list of American environmental protection associations? |
GENERAL INFORMATION COLLECTION | | |
The library offers a specialized collection of materials on the United States of America, its culture, society, history, politics and organizations. Our aim is to provide broad, general American studies coverage as well as referral to further sources of information and reference. Holdings include books, magazines, videos, DVD and audiocassettes. In keeping with the American public library tradition, we use the Dewey Decimal classification method and offer open shelf browsing.
| Library hours: | | Monday - Friday: 11am to 2pm and 4pm to 8:30pm
Saturday: 9am a 2pm | | | Location: | | Institut d'Estudis Nord-americans
Via Augusta, 123
08006 Barcelona (SPAIN) | | | E-Mail: | | ien@ien.es |
The IEN library is open to the general public for use and consultation; please support our mission of public access by becoming a member and offering us the means to continue. |
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