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William S. Bike
With a Foreword by Fran Ulmer, Lieutenant Governor of Alaska
xvi + 240p.----6 X 9------June 2001-----ISBN 0-938737-38-4-----$31.00 + $4.00/shipping
A comprehensive handbook for planning, organizing, and executing a successful campaign for elective office. Written in an easy-to-read, easy-to-use format, the book is designed for both novice campaigners and experienced workers. Covering everything from advertising to building alliances, proper business practices, campaign literature, candidate behavior, media, voter contact, debating, fundraising, strategy and more, WPC is extremely thorough and detailed. Particularly useful are the numerous checklists and fifteen appendices which include a sample itinerary for a political event, extensive resources for various issues, sample news release and more. Extensively revised and updated in 2001.
“Bike covers the essentials...provides practical information.... It's both a reference book and a self-help manual. Recommended for all libraries.” —Library Journal
“Bike offers well-organized, very detailed advice on virtually every subject a candidate's support team should consider...” —Booklist
“A practical guide for a campaign, valuable to a candidate or campaign manager, as well as a student of government.” —Paul Simon, former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate
“...valuable resource.... his guide is useful at all levels of the political process....”—The Bloomsbury Review
“... provides information on everything a candidate, campaign worker, or activist needs to know to conduct a political race.” —Nation's Cities Weekly
“It is a wonderful book for people who want to run for public office and don’t know how and for people who know everything about running for public office but have a hard time getting organized. The text is simply written and extremely well organized .... A really helpful book....” —Avrum Gross, former Attorney General of Alaska
“... provides essential tools, practical pointers, and valuable advice about running campaigns successfully.” —Grass Roots Campaigning
“Bill Bike is waging a campaign for involvement—meaningful involvement. Winning Political Campaigns is designed to enable ordinary citizens to take back their government, to be heard, to win. It is a timely and useful book....” —Danny K. Davis, Member of Congress
By Robert Sollen----Foreword by Dr. Roderick Nash
xv + 280p----- 6 X 9-------ISBN 0-938737-32-5 -----1998 -----$35.00 + $3.00/shipping
Maps------Photos------9 Appendices------Bibliography------Index
The world's first offshore oil wells drilled in 1896 off Summerland, California, opened a century of industrial progress, environmental degradation, and confrontation between coastal communities and the industry. Although the 1969 oil well blowout in the Santa Barbara Channel is often cited as the catalyst for the environmental movement, for a century Californians have protested coastal oil activity. The hectic one hundred year struggle over offshore oil shifted, often chaotically, from the courthouse to the White House, from Sacramento to Washington, from City Hall to Congress, and the Supreme Court. Local governments, the state legislature, Congress and the Interior Dept. tried to control an industry that seemed to be a couple jumps ahead of adequate regulation. Coastal communities implored presidents and Interior secretaries who often cared less about their concerns than of the industry and the federal revenue the industry created.
Until now this story has been told only in fragments. This book brings it together, not as a technical account, but as an informal sociopolitical history, emphasizing the repercussions of the industry on California coastal communities. This is that story.
Robert Sollen's award-winning career with the Santa Barbara News-Press spanned three decades; as principal environmental reporter he covered the 1969 oil well blowout in the Santa Barbara Channel. He later served as a Santa Barbara County Planning Commissioner. He is currently a visiting lecturer in Environmental Journalism at UC Santa Barbara.
Alan Edward Schorr
Forewords by Roger Cardinal Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles and
Representative Solomon P. Ortiz, Congressional Hispanic Caucus
494p.-------8 1/2 X 11-------ISBN 0-938737-33-3-------1996-------$60.00
The third edition of HRD is the most comprehensive guide to over 8,000 national, state and local Hispanic organiza tions and associations; federal, state and local programs; research centers, libraries and museums; state and local Hispanic commissions; Hispanic studies programs; foundations; scholarships and prizes; educational institutions with significant Hispanic enrollment; migrant and bilingual education; migrant health; human rights agencies; Hispanic chambers of commerce and businesses; minority and small business programs; Hispanic print and electronic media; and Latin American diplomatic offices. The best guide to those offering services or providing information/policy analysis about Hispanics in the United States. Three indexes.
"Comprehensive guide to resources for every facet of the Hispanic community. The best existing guide to groups offering services or providing information relating to Hispanics." Hispanic Business
"A virtual Encyclopedia of Associations for ... organizations serving the Spanish-speaking. Useful anyplace Hispanics comprise a significant portion of the population." Library Journal
"Detailed ... recommended for academic and large public libraries." Multicultural Review
"Provides clear and comprehensive coverage ... . Highly recommended for public and academic libraries, both as a reference tool and as a record of areas of Hispanic interest." CHOICE
" ... well-executed, reasonably priced ... a welcome addition to reference collections in all academic and public libraries." Reference Books Bulletin (Booklist)
" ... it's the only book of its kind." Vista
"Recommended for all libraries and as a convenient reference tool for the interested researcher or layperson." American Reference Books Annual
Alan Edward Schorr is former University Librarian and Dean at The California State University, Fullerton and Director of Library & Media Services at the University of Alaska, Juneau. He was elected to the Juneau, Alaska Board of Education and is a member of the Hispanic Caucus of the National School Boards Association.
Alan Edward Schorr
With Forewords by The Honorable Stephen Solarz and Hans Thoolen
256p.-------8 1/2 X 11-------1994-------ISBN 0-938737-28-7-------$47.50
A greatly expanded version of the critically acclaimed and authoritative reference book. RIRD includes information on 2,300 local, regional and national organizations, asociations, agencies, academic programs, research centers, government programs, human rights agencies, minority and small business programs, foundations; museums and other groups in the U.S. that offer services to or provide information/policy analysis about refugees and immigrants.
Appendices contain basic documents, chronologies, glossary, specialized directories and tables and charts on the status of refugees and immigrants in the U.S. and the world refugee situation. This title remains the most comprehen sive and authoritative reference.
" ... Schorr's book is an outstanding resource and a pioneer in its field." Government Publications Review
"... source of first resort for identifying refugee and immigrant groups." Referenence Books Bulletin (Booklist)
"Belongs in every public and academic library ... ." CHOICE
"The first comprehensive directory devoted to services for refugees and immigrants in the United States." Library Journal
"Solid background information ... extremely useful... . Recommended for public and academic libraries." American Reference Books Annual
"Excellent overview of refugee and immigration policy." SHOFAR
"Useful for public and academic libraries." RQ
" ... solid resource ... hard to find information." Midwest Book Review
"Comprehensive listings of organizations involved in refugee and immigrant issues, both in the U.S. and abroad." REFUGEE REPORTS
"Comprehensive guide to resources for the refugee and immigrant communities." Reference and Research Book News
"... an indispensable resource.... as full and as up-to-date as possible, so that even libraries with earlier versions should seriously consider purchasing one or more copies of this one." American Reference Books Annual 95
Alan Edward Schorr is former University Librarian and Dean at The California State University, Fullerton and Director of Library & Media Services at the University of Alaska, Juneau. He served two terms on the Governing Council of the American Library Association (ALA) and was appointed to the Publishing Committees of ALA and the Association of College & Research Libraries.
Charles Cutter and Micha Falk Oppenheim
192 p.-------6 X 9 -------1993-------ISBN 0-938737-31-7-------$30.00
This annotated guide to the literature provides access to approximately 600 of the very best reference monographs, arranged by subject, with author and title indexes. The majority of works cited are in English, but it also lists out standing Hebrew, Yiddish and German titles. JRS covers every aspect of Jewish life and knowledgehistory, culture, religion and contemporary issues. The scope of coverage is broad, emphasizing publications from 1970 through 1992, but especially noteworthy older titles are included.
This is the critical collection development tool for college, university, public, school and synogogue libraries. This title is unique in providing expert guidance for the layperson as well as students, researchers and librarians to Judaica reference material. The third edition will be available Fall 1997.
"The coverage is broad and well rounded. ...a valuable handy guide for all types of libraries. ...espe cially recommended." American Reference Books Annual
"Recommended for all types of libraries." CHOICE
"There is no better guide to Jewish reference works available." Judaica Book News
"It belongs in every library...." Religious Studies Review
"...heartily recommended as a significant and useful reference work." Journal of Jewish Communal Service
"...ground-breaking annotated guide....fills a unique need." Wilson Library Bulletin
"Because of its scholarly focus ... most appropriate in academic, special or large public libraries." Reference Books Bulletin
"... useful to any library called upon to assist researchers in identifying relevant sources in Judaica." Journal of Academic Librarianship
"Should be at habd in any core collection of Jewish studies." Journal of Jewish Music and Liturgy
"Covers every aspect of Jewish life and cultures...." SHOFAR
"Invaluable ... no library in complete without this wonderful tool." Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter
Dr. Charles Cutter is Head, Judaica Department, Brandeis University Libraries. Micha Oppenheim is Head, Biblio graphic Control, Jewish Theological Seminary of America Library. The authors prepare "Recommended Judaica Reference Works" which appears in Judaica Librarianship .
Editors: Hayward Wilkirson, Steve Stoltz, Scott Richards and Lisa Cox
224p.-----8 1/2 X 11------ISBN 0-938737-32-5 -------1994 -------$40.00 + $3/shipping
The first and only comprehensive guide to more than 500 progressive social justice organizations operating in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Throughout the South, community groups, neighborhood associations, grassroots activists, civil rights groups, environmentalists, public interest lawyers, labor organizers, women's organizations, adult education and literacy projects, health care workers, peace and justice coalitions, alternative publications, and ... just plain folks are working daily to create a new and more just South.
Each entry provides the following information: name, address, phone and fax numbers; purpose and issue focus; recent activities and accomplishments; important dates and events; publications; funding sources; staff size; and employment, volunteer, and internship opportunities. Includes an essay on social change as a career, by Walter Davis, Southern Empowerment Project.
BANS is the progresive yellow pages for the southern states. An essential reference work for school, public and academic libraries; career counseling centers; internships and voluntary service clearinghouses; government agencies; foundations; social service providers; and social justice organizations. Includes organization and subject indexes.
Catherine Craft Dancer and Gerianne Craft Frazier
288p.-------6 X 9-------1993------- ISBN 0-938737-29-5 -------$18.00
The first and only comprehensive regional guide to planning your pregnancy and childbirth; a new parent's first year; grade schools and camps; athletic, recreational, cultural and enrichment activities for children; and resources for special needs kids. The 3,000 entries provide an indispensable resource directory for parents who want to take advan tage of all the wonderful opportunities in Los Angeles and Orange County.
Moreover, experts prepared 13 articles on a variety of topics, from selecting an obstetrician to maternity rights and disability insurance. Includes a calendar of annual events of particular interest to parents and children.
Hospitals & alternate birthing centers · Medical resource & referral guide · Prenatal & postnatal instruction · Baby & child organizations · Shopping for mother, baby & child · SIDS · Breastfeeding & lactation · Circumcision · Gifted children · Bereavement · Nannies · Malls · Healthy kids · Wills & trusts · Support groups · Maternity rights & disability insurance · Home delivery services · Low cost dental services · Postpartum depression · Public & private grade schools · Coop preschools · Theatres · Harbors, beaches, park & rec departments · Bookstores · Libraries · Museums · Traveling with kids · Adoptions · Local colleges & universities · Foster parenting · Camps· Toy & speciality shops· Recommended reading
Catherine Craft Dancer was born, raised and currently resides in Malibu with her husband and daughter. She is a graduate of UCLA. Gerianne Craft Frazier, a corporate attorney, received her law degree from the USC Law Center and lives in Newport Beach with her husband and two sons.
274p.-------6 X 9-------1991------- ISBN 0-938737-24-4-------$25
The act of adopting a new culture unifies the twenty life studies forming this book. The cultures and the reasons for the change differ widely. Among the life studies culture can center in nation, social group, gender or class. Disguise, spying, fraud and subterfuge are set off against earnest adaption, personal quest for knowledge, refuge seeking and a wish to change the world. This book is an array of lives of twenty people including the Chevalier d' Eon, Princess Caraboo, Lady Hester Stanhope, T. E. Lawrence, Alexandra David-Neel, Frank Hamilton Cushing, Paul Gauguin, Korosi-Csoma Sandor, James Reavis and Philip Musicawho made cultural crossings. Here well-known figures mingle with the marginal. The single common quality is the cultural location of the observer and the motion of the crossing with respect to that observer: toward or away from as the observer accounts it.
The variety of settings and motives in these lives does not obscure the shared wish to adopt cultural differences into experience. Rather than attempting to define this personal quality of culture explicitly, Lives Between Cultures suggests its dimensions.
This book provides the means for raising questions of cultural identity very near the surface in a world where identity slips quickly away and yet is harshly defended. The book's breadth of research, searching and open style make it both a resource and a readable compendium for scholars in the humanities and social sciences. Students will find it a provocative introduction to an inquiry not encouraged by texts.
"Especially recommended for undergraduates, but it is also a good read for both the general public and professional anthropologists." Choice
"Quite unusual... .series of astute observations. Swiderski's style and presentation [makes for] thoroughly enjoyable reading." Asian Folklore Studies
"Recommended for readers interested in social and cultural history, sociology and psychology. The fascination...lies in the variety of crossings... ." Small Press
Richard M. Swiderski received his Ph.D. in cultural anthropology from Princeton University and was a Fulbright Fellow in India. He specializes in ethnic identity, folklore and mass culture in urban ethnic communities. He has been teaching, studying and writing about the relations among people that might be called cultural.
Sue Rabbitt Roff
245p. -------6 X 9 -------1991-------ISBN 0-938737-22-8-------$27.50
In 1947, a UN trusteeship agreement gave the U.S. administering authority over Palau, a Pacific island nation 500
miles east of the Philippines. Roff's critical study begins with a detailed history of United Nation decolonization principles and norms and continues with a discussion of U.S. strategic interests in the Pacific. In 1979 Palau adopted the world's first constitution barring all nuclear weapons. Since then the U.S. has pressured Palau to overturn this provision and enter into a 'compact of free association' which would permit a U.S. nuclear presence. Numerous votes by Palauns have rejected amending their constitution and Palau remains the only trust territory in the world.
Little has been written about Palauthe politics, corruption, violence and the breakdown of law and order. Roff's contribution is unique.
"Valuable contribution... . Recommended at all levels." Choice
"...much needed contribution to the scholarly work on Palau...skilfully situates Palau's story in the history of international legal imbroglios." The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
"... a work of advocacy as well as analysis ... critical view." Pacific Affairs
"...high level of analysis...well-researched and presented." Pacific Review (Oxford Univ. Pr.)
"...excellent...concise and accessible narrative... . Comprehensive, at times passionate...we remain indebted to Roff... ." New Zealand International Review
"...critical review...well-researched... . Thoughtful ... comprehensive treatment of a highly complex people in a transitional period." The Contemporary Pacific (Univ. of Hawaii)
"Well-footnoted and researched compendium...invaluable." Belau Update
Sue Rabbitt Roff spent a decade as Non-Governmental Representative to the United Nations for Minority Rights Group (London) and has petitioned in the Trusteeship Council and Decolonization Committee on Micronesia. She is currently a researcher at the University of Dundee (Scotland).
Dr. Judith Tydor Baumel
228p. 6 X 9 -------ISBN 0-938737-21-X-------1990------- $27.50
Through use of archival materials in the United States and Israel and extensive interviews with former refugee chil
dren, Dr. Baumel presents a moving narrative that analyzes the role of the United States government and voluntary agencies, the general and Jewish communities, the machinery of rescue and resettlement and public opinion, never losing sight of the children themselves.The assimilation of these children into American society is a story unto itself and is told here for the first time. This is an impressive story of courage and dedication as well as an unprecedented view of a society unwilling to take meaningful action to save a generation of children.
Featured selection of the Jewish Book Club. Honorable Mention in the 1992 Sixth Biennial Janusz Korczak Literary Competition, honoring books about children which exemplify the principles of selflessness and human dignity characterized by the life of Dr. Korczak.
"...moving ... recommended for any who would study the role and experiences of refugees to the U.S." Midwest Book Review
"... scholarly, well-researched look at how the children were able to come, who brought them and what happened when they arrived." American Jewish Archives
"This is a well-documented and well-researched account...." Judaica Book News
"... unique story told here for the first time." B'nai B'rith Messenger
"Carefully researched, clearly written ... balanced view." Small Press
",,, special contribution.... fine scholarshiop and researh...." Journal of American Ethnic History
Dr. Baumel is Senior Researcher at the Arnold and Leona Finkler Institute of Holocaust Research, Bar Ilan University and a historian at the Open University of Israel. Her numerous publications have appeared in the United States and Israel. Her brother, sister and father are among the former refugees interviewed for this book.
Dr. Jerry D. Blanche
With Forewords by The Honorable Thomas Foley and LaDonna Harris
302p.-------6 X 9-------1990------- ISBN 0-938737-20-1-------$25
The stories, speeches and poems in this book are pure Native American. They are fully documented, accurate, and authentic manuscripts as opposed to renditions, recollections or translations.
The one hundred contributions represent over seventy authors from nearly thirty tribes, from the Southeastern U.S. to Alaska. Some of the material has never been formally published. The speech section is distinctly unique. There are few collections of authentic Native American oratory, especially contemporary oratory.
Aside from the importance of this book as a valuable educational resource, for use in courses as diverse as anthropol ogy and contemporary political movements, the contributions are moving testament to the enduring legacy of the Native American. This tribal wealth reaches out to the world and leaves all of us, as Nobel laureate Elias Canetti stated, with an " ... inexhaustible spiritual legacy."
" ... offers a scope and variety rare in an anthology of Indian writings." Bookwatch
"...essential reading and a prime candidate as a required text. To read almost any random selection...is to listen again to urges that confirm the revitalizing, empowering forces of literature itself." Bloomsbury Review
"Quite a feast...you'll be rewarded with a deeper understanding of the American Indian." Sitka Daily Sentinel
"...filled with true words & meanings of Native Americans." Winds of Change: A Magazine for American Indians
"... more than another book about Native folklore. It is a call to conscience, a portrait of a people trying to establish themselves as a nation worthy of respect ... ." Juneau Empire
"... a basic anthology that could be used as a primary text in introductory courses." American Indian Quarterly
Jerry D. Blanche received his Ph.D. in Speech Education from the University of Missouri. Dr. Blanche is Vice President, Eastern Oregon University. For his contributions to public education and the preservation of Choctaw culture, Dr. Blanche received the Choctaw Nation Award of Honor.
Alan Edward Schorr
192p.-------6 X 9-------1991-------ISBN 0-938737-25-2-------$25
Since the first edition of Alaska Place Names was published in 1974 it has been the recognized standard reference on new and revised place names for the state of Alaska. This twenty-five year cumulation of all decisions on Alaska rendered by the United States Board on Geographic Names from January 1966 through December 1990 is the source for current and accurate place name information.
The fourth edition, including approximately 1,300 Alaska place names, supercedes earlier editions published in 1974, 1980 and 1986. APN is a supplement to Donald Orth's Dictionary of Alaska Place Names (USGS, 1967). Includes index to personal names, corporate bodies, vessels and other significant information.
Alaska Place Names allows the reader to embark upon a historic and linguistic journey across the frontiers of the Great Land. It is directed to all with an interest in Alaska's past, as well as to those with a special appreciation of its
history, geography or anthropology.
"...provides the most up-to-date coverage of decisions on Alaska place names." Bulletin of the Association of Canadian Map Libraries
"... meets the critical need for current place name information for Alaska and reflects public interest in the subject." Alaska Magazine
"... essential for anyone who intends to keep up with names decisions in Alaska." Names (American Name Society)
"Highly recommended for all map collections and libraries." Baseline (American Library Association)
"... scholarly work ... essential to researchers." Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
"Good purchase for libraries with large geography collections or those interested in Alasakan topics." American Reference Book Annual
"... the recognized standard reference." Anchorage Times
Dr. Russell Tabbert
294p.-------8 1/2 X 11-------1991-------ISBN 0-938737-23-6-------$47.50
Because much of what is interesting about Alaska is unique, the words for these features tend not to be part of the common English wordstock and thus not covered well in the general dictionaries. The Dictionary of Alaskan English is a compilation of such "Alaskanisms"that is, words and meanings which are unique to or highly characteristic of the English used by Alaskans and about Alaska. Each expression entered is supported by quotations from Alaskan writing, illustrating it from its earliest discovered usage forward.
Thus with its Alaskan focus and the "on historical principles" method, this work is in the tradition of dictionaries of regional English such as the Dictionary of Canadianisms , the Dictionary of Newfoundland English, and the Dictionary of American Regional English. In an attempt to give coherence to the view of Alaska presented, the words are arranged within nineteen topical sections. There is also an alphabetic index. In addition, a lengthy appendix offers guidance to writers and editors on many matters of Alaskan usage, spelling, and styling.
"Recommended for all libraries ... ." CHOICE
"Most remarkable ... in the established 'Oxford' tradition." English World-Wide
"Tabbert's work is a browser's joya scholarly work that is not ponderous... . A rich contribution to Alaska scholarship." Anchorage Daily News
"Indispensable ... demands to be on the bookshelf. Unique book is so readable that at least one copy deserves to circulate." ARCTIC
"This is a great reference book ... research is staggering. He has achieved an amazing accomplish ment: he has compiled a dictionary that is good reading, even funny at times. Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
" Overall scholarly tone ... extensive etymological referencing." American Reference Books Annual
"Few dictionaries are as lavish as this in the provision of quotations illustrating usage, and few schol arly lexicographers in recent decades have sought to provide prescriptive advice on form, styling, spelling and usage.' Australian Library Review
"Impressive ... useful to lexicographers, etymologists, dialectologists, lexical semanticists, teachers and students." Language
"Tabbert has proceeded in the best tradition of dialect study.... Tabbert has it right." Canadian Journal of Linguistics
Professor Tabbert recently retired from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, where he taught courses in English linguistics and writing since 1972. His Ph.D. is from the University of Iowa in English language and literature. His areas of specialization include English dialects, lexicography and gram mar.
Second Edition
Alys Culhane and Pete Praetorius
Foreword by the Honorable Steve Cooper
318p.----5 1/2 X 8 1/2----1992----ISBN 0-938737-27-9---- $17.50
The authors explored by bicycle thousands of miles of paved, gravel and dirt roads throughout Alaska and parts of the Yukon Territory and Northwest Territories. It was an odyssey that stretched from the rain forests of Southeast Alaska to the Arctic tundra of the Interior & NWT.
The new edition remains the first and only bike guide for the region. This detailed reference book divides the route into sections of approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) each and includes information on road conditions and terrain; climate; water sources; camping and picnic areas; trails; food and lodging; flora and fauna; emergency services; roadside sights and historical background; sidetrips; and entertainment and recreations. The Guide contains 93
elevation profiles and 30 maps and photographs. Also included are eleven narratives in which Alys Culhane shares her unique perspective on individuals she and Pete met as well as her personal observations on bicycling in the North.
"This guide is the only one of its kind, and it will prove invaluable to you on your trip through Alaska and Northwestern Canada." Governor Steve Cowper
" Users of this guidebook should pay attention to every word. These two cyclists know what they're talking about. .. comprehensive, reliable and enticing." Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
"Solid information provided within each entry." Booklist (American Library Association)
"The maps and details are specific ... making for an essential take-along reference for any devotee of bicycle touring." Midwest Book Review
"... fills a long-open void. ... good job ... handsomely produced and well-written." Juneau Empire
"Timely, honest and complete. ... equally useful for the backpacker or anyone trying to see Alaska." Sitka Sentinel
Alys Culhane received her M.F.A. from the University of Alaska and is currently a doctoral candidate at the Univer sity of Wisconsin. She has written extensively for publications throughout the U.S. Pete Praetorius, a graduate of Whittier College. is a bike technician with extensive biking experience in Alaska and the Lower 48.
Editor: Clive S, Thomas
xii + 360 pages, ISBN 0-938737-37-6 1999 $37.00 +
$3.00 shipping
Tables/figure/map, bibliography index
This book explores the major political issues and public policies in Alaska at the beginning of the twenty-first century. It is especially useful to those studying political science, public administration, economics, anthropology, Alaska history, Native studies, and Alaska studies as well as anyone concerned about Alaska issues in general.
To provide a systematic way to approach each issue most chapters follow a common format beginning with background information, moving to alternative perspectives and ending with suggested solutions or reasons for lack of feasible solutions. Thus the treatment of each topic combines general information for understanding the issue with reasoned advocacy. Each contributor was encouraged to present a particular perspective, not as any statement of truth or as the answer to the issue, but as a means to stimulate discussion. The perspective of each author is made explicit through the use of a chapter theme or other statement set out at the beginning of their chapter.
The book provides both general and specific insights on a broad range of questions about policy-making in Alaska. For instance, it identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the system for addressing a variety of issues and explains why some of these are addressed by government while others are not. It explains the general and specific influences at work in various policy arenas and it considers what are and are not feasible solutions. Moreover, it explains how Alaska’s issues and policies compare with other states and what the state can learn from other approaches to policy-making.
The contributors bring a broad range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to the examination of Alaska public policy issues—from academics in anthropology, business, and political science, to consultants in economics, to several present and former senior officials in state government to members of the business community. Clive S. Thomas, the editor, provides essential background for understanding and evaluating the various issues and the policies developed throughout the book. He also contributed to several chapters in Alaska Public Policy Issues.
The book is divided into four parts. Part I examines economic and fiscal issues (George W. Rogers, David M. Reaume, David L. Marshall, Greg Protasel, Gordon S. Harrison and Douglas K. Barry); Part II addresses issues relating to major state services such as education, health, substance abuse and domestic violence, corrections and transportation (Jerry Covey, Frank Hill, Marshall L. Lind, Lawrence Lee Oldaker, James B. Goes, Virginia S. Mulle, Charles F. Campbell, John Pugh, and W. Keith Gerken); Part III discusses land, natural resource and environmental issues, including subsistence, fisheries, ANWR and the Tongass National Forest (James N. Gladden, Dan Austin, Michael F. Turek, Thomas F. Thornton and Neal Gilbertsen); and Part IV investigates issues concerning the political and governmental system, including Native sovereignty, rural-bush local government, reforming the political and governmental system and the size and efficiency of state and local governments (Gerald A. McBeath, Thomas A. Morehouse, Anthony T. Nakazawa, Fae L. Korsmo, Carl E. Shepro and Susan A. Burke).
Clive S. Thomas, the editor, is Professor of Political Science at the University of Alaska Southeast where he has taught since 1980. He is the statewide coordinator of the University of Alaska Legislative Internship Program. His publications include works on interest groups, state politics (including Alaska politics) and legislative process. During 1997-98 he was a Fulbright Senior Research Scholar in Belgium. He has been a volunteer lobbyist and often works as a political consultant.