Laboratory of Anthropology Library

The Laboratory of Anthropology (LOA) Library is a non-circulating special collections library focused on the Indigenous peoples, archaeology, and anthropology of the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The Library’s collection reflects the history of the Laboratory of Anthropology, which was founded as a private, locally based anthropological research center dedicated to the collection, study, and preservation of the Indigenous cultures of the Southwest.

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The Library’s collection reflects the history of the Laboratory of Anthropology, which was founded as a private, locally based anthropological research center dedicated to the collection, study, and preservation of the Indigenous cultures of the Southwest.

Incorporated in 1927, the LOA received initial funding from businessman and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr.  Santa Fe architect John Gaw Meem was selected as the project architect following a national competition, and construction was completed in 1931. The LOA operated as an independent organization until it merged with the Museum of New Mexico in 1947. The LOA’s research and collecting activities formed the foundation of the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, which opened in 1987.

The LOA Library collects and provides public access to materials in both print and digital formats, with particular emphasis on resources related to New Mexico and the Four Corners region. Collection strengths include books and reports on Southwest archaeology; publications on Native art, history, and cultures; and related periodicals, including archaeological and anthropological academic journals.

The Library catalog is a work in progress. We recognize that outdated, problematic, or inaccurate language may appear in some catalog descriptions. Staff are working to revise and update terminology and, whenever possible, incorporate Indigenous language terms and place names.

Respect for Indigenous cultural traditions and practices guides LOA Library services. This includes a commitment to consultation with communities whose cultures are represented in the collection. Access to certain materials may require approval from the appropriate Tribal Historic Preservation Officer or similar designated official of the affected Tribal Nation or Indigenous community. We appreciate your understanding that materials identified as culturally sensitive may not be available to researchers or, images and content may be redacted. Efforts to identify and appropriately steward culturally sensitive materials are ongoing.

To schedule an appointment to access library materials please contact Elisa Phelps, Head of Curatorial Affairs, at elisa.phelps@dca.nm.gov or (505) 476-1284