Abstract
This article examines decolonization and indigenization initiatives at two academic libraries: the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the University of New Mexico (UNM). It asks how these institutions have implemented indigenization in their libraries and what lessons can inform broader reconciliation work across North America. Through a comparative lens, it analyzes how national and organizational frameworks, such as the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA-FCAB) Truth and Reconciliation Report and Recommendations and the American Indian Library Association’s (AILA) organizational goals, can shape these efforts. The study highlights three core strategies: decolonizing access and classification, transforming library spaces, and expanding services and programs. Findings show that UBC’s initiatives are strengthened by coordinated national reconciliation frameworks, while UNM reflects more localized but meaningful efforts within the U.S. context. Together, these case studies demonstrate how adaptable approaches to indigenization can inform reconciliation practices across North America and create pathways that support Indigenous academic success.
Recommended Citation
Villars, E. T.
(2026).
Decolonizing the Academic Library: Examining the Successful Indigenization of UBC and UNM’s Library Services.
School of Information Student Research Journal, 16(1).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55917/2575-2499.1541
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