Organization

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North Dakota Institute for Regional Studies

Founded at North Dakota State University in 1950, the ND Institute for Regional Studies exists to stimulate and coordinate interdisciplinary regional scholarship. These regions include the Red River Valley, the State of North Dakota, the plains of North America (comprising both the Great Plains of the United States and Prairies of Canada), and comparable regions of other continents. Good regional scholarship is shaped by national and international events, and by comparative studies. The scope of Institute publications is not limited by topic or discipline. The Institute considers manuscripts in any field of learning. The scope is defined, however, by a regional focus in accord with the Institute's mission. Generally, works published by the Institute address regional life directly, as the subject of study. Such works contribute to scholarly knowledge of region (that is, discovery of new knowledge) or to public consciousness of region (that is, dissemination of information, or interpretation of regional experience). In some, fewer instances the regional connection is one of service to a regional organization. Where regions abroad are treated, either for comparison or because of ties to those North American regions of primary concern to the Institute, the linkages should be made plain. Traditionally, the Institute has published substantial trade books, but the line of publications is not limited to that genre. It may also publish textbooks (at any level), reference books, anthologies, reprints, papers, proceedings, and monographs. The Institute will consider works of poetry or fiction, provided they are established regional classics or they promise to assume landmark or reference status for the region. Biographical or autobiographical works are evaluated carefully for their prospective contribution to regional knowledge and culture. All publications, in whatever genre, must be of such quality and substance as to embellish the imprint of the Institute. In addition to publishing books on a variety of regional subjects, the Institute also pursues grants and contracts for research and service; public programs; survey research; oral history collections; international exchanges; and exhibits, both artistic and historical. Another well-established activity is the maintenance of research collections (manuscripts, photographs, and other materials) through its archival repository at the North Dakota State University Library.