Attention Westerners: the Center of the American West at the University of 欧美口爆视频 at Boulder has a question for you.
What, as a recent transplant or a longtime resident, is the information that every Westerner needs to know?
In preparation for a new publication, history Professor Patricia Nelson Limerick and geography Professor William Riebsame are investigating what Westerners think about their region, using an interactive survey on the Internet and a series of community meetings.
The "Handbook for the New West" is an attempt to acquaint Americans -- both residents of the West and residents of other regions -- with the workings of Western regional identity. The handbook is aimed at both newcomers and old-timers and will focus on such timely issues as cultural diversity, environmental protection and regional growth and development.
"Many issues which divide Westerners today have roots in the region聮s history," said Limerick. "An earnest effort to think regionally will help citizens of the region live with a greater sense of common cause with each other and with the West聮s spectacular landscapes and wildlife."
In order to find out what Westerners have to say, the Center of the American West has developed an interactive site at . The site features a general survey, "What Should Every Westerner Know?" as well as places for site visitors to log their thoughts about specific issues like environmental protection, community, changing economies and public lands.
Those without Internet access who would like to participate in the project can contact the center directly to receive the survey. Requests may be mailed to the Center of the American West, Attn: Handbook Project, Campus Box 234, Boulder, CO 80309-0234, or by calling (303) 492-4067.
With support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Riebsame and Limerick also will travel throughout the West to conduct round-table community discussions. The authors plan to hold 15 to 20 such meetings by November, some with specific interest groups such as ranchers, federal employees and business people, and some at certain locations such as small towns on the Great Plains and Indian reservations.
Limerick and Riebsame also worked together to produce the "Atlas of the New West," published in 1997. The atlas used maps, photographs and essays to paint a portrait of a changing region.
During the upcoming academic year, the authors will synthesize responses to the various inquiries into essays for the handbook. The handbook also will include texts by other prominent Western commentators.
The Center of the American West expects the book, which will include maps, cartoons, illustrations and photographs, to be at the publishers, W.W. Norton of New York, by July 2000.