For Researchers and Librarians
The American Reference Center (ARC) can provide reference and research services to NZ librarians and those conducting research which may require access to U.S. based source material. Although our physical collection is very small, we can access materials electronically and/or help you get in touch with other American libraries and research centers. Here are some of the resources we can offer to this group of users:
This list represents the services we provide specifically to these user groups; please see our information for teachers and general information page for a more complete view of our collection, resources, and services.
We subscribe to over thirty journals and magazines, with a focus on international relations, U.S. politics, and current events. Titles include The New Yorker, Harper’s, Policy Review, Congressional Digest, and Foreign Policy. We are able to forward copies of specific articles upon request or make appointments for people to view issues as necessary. We also use the collection to inform our regular article alerts to subscribers (see below for details).
In addition to our print subscriptions we have access to many more periodicals through online databases. Please contact us if you’d like to know if we carry a particular title or if you have an article request.
U.S. legislative information can be tricky to navigate. We can offer assistance to those who want to learn a bit more about the systems of the U.S. Federal Government or we can obtain copies of legislation and legislative information through LexisNexis U.S. We have a range of hard copy reference tools pertaining to U.S. law and legislation and access to additional online resources.
We are proficient in navigating and using the U.S. Code (federal legislation in force) and peripheral documents. We may also be able to help locate a particular state law from any U.S. state or refer you to the proper state office for assistance. Please contact us with your request.
Our print collection is focused on U.S. based reference materials; various directories, almanacs, encyclopedias, who’s who, and government documents. We also have a small collection of materials regarding the U.S. /NZ bilateral relationship over the course of its history.
Though we do not have an extensive archive we also collect significant articles, items pertaining to the bilateral relationship and other topics of general interest. Please contact us to discuss any reference requests.
The ARC creates and distributes regular article alerts on a range of topics including Pacific Issues, Environment, Defense, Arts, Economy, International Relations, and many others. Any interested researchers, government departments, and librarians can sign up to receive these by contacting us.
Please include the following information in your request to be added to our distribution list: name, title, organization, contact info, email, and topics of interest.
We also distribute our monthly Spotlight publication which includes articles and recent reports across a wide range of topics that are collated from U.S. government departments, think tanks, journals, websites, etc. Previous issues are available on our website or contact us to be included on the distribution list.
From time to time the ARC organizes speakers to give presentations in the Embassy auditorium. Speakers are usually U.S. experts on topics of current interest. Recent speakers have visited to talk about the economic crisis, climate change legislation, and the first 100 days of the Obama Administration.
Invitations to speaker events are sent to our distribution list contacts based on their prescribed topics of interest. We also arrange digital video conferences (DVCs) when a speaker is unable to appear in person.
We are always seeking out new speakers and are sometimes able accept requests for specific speakers either in person of via DVC. Please feel free to contact us if you have a speaker suggestion or would like to be added to our distribution list for invitations to future speaker events. See above for information to include in your request.
If we are unable to fulfill your request from our print or online collections we may be able to access a publication through the Library of Congress or submit a request to another U.S. library or information center on your behalf. Please contact us to discuss any requests.
Contact
If you do not find what you are looking for on these pages, or on our FAQ page, please send your enquiry to:
American Reference Center
Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Embassy
P.O. Box 1190
Wellington
New Zealand
Tel.: +64 4 462 6112
Fax: +64 4 499 0490
Email: wellington.arc@state.gov
Educational Resources
for Researchers
