Micronesian libraries and archives: A review of the literature

The western Pacific region of Micronesia has a unique library and archival history. Composed of largely US-affiliated islands, the libraries of Micronesia have emerged through successive waves of colonization and assertions of modern island identities. Primarily focused on peer-reviewed journal articles, this literature review synthesizes the limited previous professional literature concerning Micronesian libraries into a concise resource. Though rapidly modernizing, libraries in this region face distinct challenges in terms of library training, adequate funding, limited access to current information resources, and low Internet access rates. Upon analysis of this body of literature, the author identifies three major needs: 1) Expanded LIS education in Micronesia (particularly at the graduate level), 2) Increased awareness and inclusion of island modes of communication in library and archival services, 3) Expanded opportunities for academic publication and research through the establishment of an Open Access journal of Micronesian Library and Information Science.