New Database at UC Berkeley Library: Latin American Histories in the United States: Module I by Adam Matthews

I am extremely grateful to the UC Berkeley Library administration and especially to our University Librarian, Suzanne Wones, and Jo Anne Newyear Ramirez, Associate University Librarian for Scholarly Resources for their farsighted leadership and acquisition of the Latin American Histories in the United States: Module I database that will serve a wide range of students, faculty members, and visiting scholars on our campus.

 

Browse by CollectionBrowse the documents within Latin American Histories in the United States by collection, allowing you to focus on specific groups of sources. More information on the contributing archives can be found in the Guide to the Archival Collections.

Browse the documents within Latin American Histories in the United States by collection, allowing you to focus on specific groups of sources.
More information on the contributing archives can be found in the Guide to the Archival Collections.

Latin American Histories in the United States is a multi-archive resource providing primary sources from U.S. collections that document the everyday lives, activism, and cultural expression of diverse Latina/o/x/e communities—especially underrepresented groups such as Latinas, LGBTQ+, and Afro-Latina/o/x/e—during the mid-to-late twentieth century.

Some items from the database that are worth highlighting are

  • Personal papers, memorabilia, and photographs of Normandia Maldonada, an activist and community leader among the Dominican people in the United States, relating to her artistic accomplishments, career, personal and family life
  • A vast array of newspapers, periodicals, and publications produced by different Latinx communities across the US, covering topics such as the Chicano Movement, migration, and everyday life
  • The Jorge Huerta Papers containing materials documenting his activities as a director, writer, professor, and expert on Chicano theatre
  • The Roberto Jesus Vargas diaries documenting his life as an AIDS activist in Sonoma County
  • The La Raza En Acción Local audio collection, which features recordings of Latinx-produced community radio
  • Presbyterian collections showcasing religious advocacy, educational support, and community building through a variety of organizations and groups based in Texas

Collection Development: Latin American Films Database: Pragda Complete Film Collection

Pragda Complete Film Collection

PRAGDA features 500+ Latin American, Spanish, and Latinx streaming films/series, showcasing diverse voices and perspectives from over 30 countries in their original languages with English subtitles.

Pragda Complete Film CollectionThis link opens in a new window UCB access onlyPRAGDA features 500+ Latin American, Spanish, and Latinx streaming films/series, showcasing diverse voices and perspectives, from over 30 countries, in their original language with English subtitles.
Pragda Complete Film Collection

 

The Pragda film database is a comprehensive streaming platform specializing in Latin American, Spanish, and Latinx cinema. It offers a curated collection of over 700 films from more than 30 countries, all presented in their original languages with English subtitles or captions. The database is widely used by universities, libraries, and cultural institutions to provide access to award-winning documentaries, feature films, and series that cover a broad range of themes—including social issues, history, culture, feminism, immigration, and international politics.

Pragda provides educational resources such as discussion guides, filmmaker Q&As, and customizable streaming options, making it a valuable tool for academic and institutional markets. Films in the collection are available with Public Performance Rights (PPR) and Digital Site Licenses (DSL), allowing easy integration into curricula and public screenings. The platform is accessible via institutional subscriptions, and many films are also available for individual licensing.


Library Trial: Latin America Commons by Coherent Digital

We currently have trials set up for several modules from Coherent Digital. We have selected modules from Policy Commons, Africa Commons, and Latin America Commons available until Nov 15, 2025.

Please submit your feedback to your librarian for Latin American and Caribbean Studies: Liladhar

Latin America Commons by Coherent Digital is a full-text, richly-indexed database that provides unified, cross-searchable access to millions of pages of Latin American and Latinx primary-source materials, including books, magazines, photographs, maps, letters, diaries, ephemera, videos, and audio files that were previously scattered across the internet and in archives. The project aims to preserve at-risk content, rare documents, and often overlooked resources spanning from the 16th to the 21st centuries, making it easier for scholars and students to discover vetted, high-quality material for research and study.
Latin America Commons Landing Page

Latin America Commons by Coherent Digital is a full-text, richly-indexed database that provides unified, cross-searchable access to millions of pages of Latin American and Latinx primary-source materials, including books, magazines, photographs, maps, letters, diaries, ephemera, videos, and audio files that were previously scattered across the internet and in archives. The project aims to preserve at-risk content, rare documents, and often overlooked resources spanning from the 16th to the 21st centuries, making it easier for scholars and students to discover vetted, high-quality material for research and study.