From the development of collections to the formation of afrocentrated collection

an analysis of the University Library System of the Federal University of Ceará

Abstract

Development of collections are necessary actions in the context of University Libraries (UB), attention is needed for the advancement of knowledge and the relevance and timeliness of the works. In view of this, it is necessary to understand some themes that are emerging in current research and their presence in the UBs catalogs. The main objective is to present quantitative indicators on the Afrocentric collection present at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), as well as the possible problems involving this theme. Conducts a bibliographic and exploratory survey of Afrocentric works available in the collection of the UFC university library system, using search engines such as “black”, “blackness”, “racial identity”, among others that focus on racial aspects. A total of 543 documents were retrieved, most of which were related to the black search engine. Afrocentric documents have increased exponentially over time, with the Library of Human Sciences being the main unit with this type of collection, although the number is still small and not very diverse considering the demand and the research carried out. Finally, it highlights the need and urgency of creating an Afro-centered collection within the UFC. The existing collection in the information units help, in a way, in the preservation and dissemination of the history and memory of peoples of African origin. It is understood, therefore, that this work is a first step that exposes the fragility and lack related to the formation of Afro-centered collections and collections in the UFC and the possibility of new studies that show the progress of the construction of an Afro-centered collection.