Purpose of the collection
The Eduardo Lozano Latin American Collection supports the research and teaching in Latin American Studies of the University of Pittsburgh, particularly the interdisciplinary programs sponsored and coordinated by the Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS).
History of the collection
The Latin American Collection at the University of Pittsburgh was formed in 1964 in conjunction with the creation of the Center for Latin American (CLAS) and the Department of Hispanic Languages and Literatures. The dramatic growth of the library collection is a reflection of the development of the University of Pittsburgh as one of the world’s major centers for teaching and research on Latin America. The Center for Latin American Studies has earned recognition within the University of Pittsburgh, having been designated by the provost, in 1984, as one of six University Programs of Distinction. The Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS), a U.S. Department of Education designated National Resource Center, is a key point of liaison between the Latin American collection and its users.
Due to an active and comprehensive acquisition program since its creation, the collection holds unique and rare materials not available to collection formed after that time. Planning to stay in Pittsburgh no more than a year, Eduardo Lozano came from his native Argentina in 1967, with the task of creating a Latin American Collection at the University of Pittsburgh. Lozano spent close to 40 years developing one of the finest Latin American Collections in the United States. In 1997, in recognition of his 30 years as head of the Latin American Collection, the University Library System renamed the collection for Eduardo Lozano.
In addition to systematic purchases through book publishers and book dealers, Lozano made extensive annual trips to Latin America acquiring government documents and library materials published by nongovernmental organization, research centers, and small publishing houses. Until now, the library holdings continue to be collected systematically and comprehensively though individual purchases and periodic buying trips to the region.
Another major source for collecting is the vast exchange program. The collection maintains exchange agreements with more than 200 libraries, research centers, universities, and governmental institutions all over the world.
State, regional, national and international importance
In addition to serving the Pitt community, the Eduardo Lozano Latin American Collection serves as a local, regional, national and international resource center and clearinghouse for information on Latin America and it is the sole resource Latin American resource in Western Pennsylvania.
Scope of the collection
Pitt’s Latin American collection is internationally renowned for the quality of its resources especially its extensive holdings on Bolivia, Cuba, Argentina and Brazil attracting researchers and students from around the world. Bolivia became an early focus of collection interest, as Pitt social scientists were prominent in pioneering scholarship on this Andean country.
