Agricultural Library
The
following is an agricultural resource list. It is generally focused towards
the Northeast and new farmers. There is an amazing amount of information
available in hardcopy and electronically that varies from technical research
papers to antidotal whimsies. Everything has some value but new farmers
need to identify some key resources. Hopefully, the following are some
of those.
Hardcopy Resources
This an abbreviated list with just a couple materials per topic. It
is intended to be used for starting an ag collection or as a short list
to help librarians identify materials to purchase for their libraries.
More materials are under the resources links.
Setting up an Agricultural Collection (for librarians or other groups)
Additional Library Resources
New England Small Farm Institute Library
One of the largest specialized collections on small-scale farming and
sustainable agriculture in the Northeast. The collection contains over
5,000 books, periodicals, documents, videos, and microforms. An on-line
catalogue and "virtual library" will soon be accessible via
the Internet. A librarian is also available to provide research assistance.
The Library is open to the public and lends material to a growing number
of members ($10/year). Members include active, beginning, and aspiring
small farmers, Extension specialists, students, farmers transitioning
to organic and sustainable practices, and policymakers. New England Small
Farm Institute, Belchertown, MA. 413-323-4531. http://www.smallfarm.org/library/
AFSIC Publications
AFSIC staff create and publish information resource guides that focus
on topics of current interest. Some are issued as parts of National Agricultural
Library Series, including Quick Bibliographies (QBs) and Special Reference
Briefs (SRBs). Others are published as AFSIC Notes and miscellaneous documents.
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/afspub.htm
© 2004 Growing New Farmers. Updated:
10/16/04