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Tribal Libraries, Archives, and Museums : The TLAM Program at UW-Madison

This guide is intended to assist students participating in the iSchool's Tribal Libraries, Archives, and Museums program.

Ask Us About This Guide!

The guide was created by Zoey Colglazier and Lizzie Oswalt. They were both students (now graduated) in the Library and Information Science Master's program at UW-Madison.

For questions about TLAM, contact tlam@ischool.wisc.edu.

Working together, Wisconsin Tribal Nations and UW-Madison iSchool students build lasting relationships, deepen shared knowledge, and sustain the libraries, archives, and museums of Wisconsin’s Tribal Nations.

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to––and practical experience with––tribal libraries, archives and museums, with a special emphasis on Indigenous Knowledge and the tribal cultural institutions of the western Great Lakes region. It is designed to facilitate a participatory learning experience through presentations, readings, semester-long service-learning projects, and personal contact with tribal cultural workers. The course is structured around a combination of classroom discussions, guest speakers, travel to American Indian communities, and attendance at events relevant to course topics.

 

Course learning objectives:

Upon completion, students will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of Indigenous Knowledge;
  • recognize the linguistic, legal, cultural, political, and economic issues influencing tribal cultural institutions;
  • appreciate the contributions of American Indian tribal cultural institutions;
  • articulate the best practices for developing mutually-beneficial partnerships with Indigenous communities;
  • conduct group projects and partner with tribal cultural institutions effectively;
  • appreciate the role of culture in the Library and Information Studies professions;
  • feel increased confidence in working with American Indian communities.

Classes

While there is only one TLAM course, there are a lot of other courses that are TLAM-adjacent. Many of these may be cross-listed in several departments, and always check the course guide for the most up-to-date list of offerings.

  • LIS 640: Tribal Libraries, Archives, and Museums
  • LIS 640: Act 31 Services and Resources
  • LIS 640: Services to Diverse Populations
  • AIS 172: Literature of Native America
  • AIS 246: Literature by American Indian Women
  • AIS 371: Survey of North American Indian Languages

TLAM Student Group

Started in 2011, the TLAM student group strives to to inform and engage members of the UW-Madison community on the issues and challenges found in tribal libraries, archives, and museums through service-learning and close partnerships with Wisconsin native nations. The student group also works closely with the service learning projects of the TLAM class.