| dc.description |
America is by its very nature of historical formation and development a multiethnic, multicultural and multilingual society, and in the last two decades an upsurge of general interest in ethnicity has stimulated publishers to substantially increase the production of books devoted to ethnic Americans. However, a closer examination of publisher's output-over 20 noted titles ranging from encyclopedias and specialized titles covering ethnic organizations, institutions, periodicals, statistics and book series by leading publishers-reveals that the overall picture is still far from being satisfactory. The truth is that, with very few exceptions, reference books are either outdated, incomplete by leaving many ethnic groups without coverage, or confusing. There is a profound need for a comprehensive encyclopedia of American ethnic groups covering all groups (small and large) with balanced entries, and using latest census data (1990) combined with ethnic organizations sources. Publishers should also publish a handbook and brochures covering all American ethnic groups, and thus make the American ethnic mosaique accessible to all levels and specific needs of vicinities, districts, regions, states. |
