WEB INDEX SITES, CLEARINGHOUSES, & DIRECTORIES
Andanzas al Web Latino
Annotated and well-organized long list of predominantly Mexican American
Internet and Web resources, by librarian Molly Molloy. Includes some
evaluative comments, and useful list of newsgroups and discussion lists. In
English (bilingual main menu only); no search engine.
Update: Increasingly includes Latin
American items, making it a bit more difficult to locate specifically US
Latino materials.
The Azteca Web Page
A research clearinghouse of Chicano and indigenous Mexican historic and
cultural facts, definitions, and information; includes a chat room. In
English; includes search engine.
Boricua.com
A social clearinghouse that serves mainly as a directory for Puerto Ricans
on the Internet and links to their web creations. Includes a bulletin board,
calendar, and Puerto Rican facts. In English and Spanish; includes search
engine.
CANFNet (Cuban American National Foundation Net)
CANF is the largest Cuban American organization in the United States; this
Web site functions as a clearinghouse for CANF publications, editorials,
articles, news and opinions, some of which are available in PDF format. In
English; no search engine.
Chapines Online
Major directory of Guatemalans online; includes many in the US. In Spanish.
CLNet (Chicano/Latino Net)
Major meta-site that points to academic research, creative arts, and
community outreach materials. A unique service offered is the opportunity
for users to create their own personal web page to add to CLNet. Focus on
Chicano and general Latino materials, but increasingly includes links to
Puerto Rican and some Latin American materials. In English (bilingual main
menu); now includes search engine. (For more information, see also my
published review from C&RL News.)
Coquí Net
Major Puerto Rican Internet service provider, with many links to Puerto Rican
sites. Strong island and Latin American focus. In Spanish (main menu in
English); no search engine.
Cuban Committee for Democracy
Bilingual clearinghouse of moderate viewpoints on Cuban and Cuban American
issues; includes Cuban Affairs newsletter, news on relevant legislation and
events, and demographic information
that challenges the belief that the Cuban American population is
homogeneous and monolithic. Includes interesting Cuban and Cuban
American links
elsewhere. In English with parallel site in Spanish; no search engine.
CubaWeb
Major site features viewpoints, articles, online bookstores, chat forums,
classified ads, calendar of events, and other Cuban American and Cuban
resources. In English (bilingual main menu); no search engine.
Dominican Studies Institute
Brand new to the web, a description of this institute at CUNY, its programs,
publications, activities, and contact information. While not currently a
metasite, clearinghouse, or full directory, this site is nonetheless
included because scholarly information on the Web and on Dominicans in the
US is otherwise scarce. May it develop into a more content-rich
resource, specific to Dominican materials and information on the Web. In
English and Spanish.
EgoWeb: Felipe's Things Latino
Massive collection of unalphabetized and unannotated links from Felipe Campos,
one of the Latino web pioneers. Focus on Chicano and Mexican sites; includes
Latin American materials. One of the few sites that includes Latino gay and
lesbian resources. In English (bilingual menus);
index jump feature, now includes search engine (doesn't always work).
¡Guanacos Online!
Massive directory of Salvadorans online, in US, El Salvador, and abroad. In
Spanish.
Guatemala, la tierra del Quetzal
Long list of unalphabetized links with brief annotations, organized by broad
subject area. Includes some resources that look at Guatemalan identity and
issues in the US. Fully bilingual with parallel sites in Spanish or English.
Guatemalan Cyberspace: Internet Services for Guatemala
Annotated list of numerous discussion and chat groups, directories, and news
links, some of which include issues related to Guatemalans in the US. In
English.
HispaNet
Major Dominican site for politics, news, short stories, mailing services,
products, and e-journals.
Update: HispaNet now calls itself a "Spanish
learning center," while evolving toward coverage
of all Latin American countries; it seems to be losing (as of summer
1999) much of its previous Dominican focus. In Spanish.
HispanicBiz
Large meta-site with a business focus. Includes helpful links to US and
Latin American financial news, demographic and business-related facts about
US Latinos, resources and publications on technology, networking,
education,
and community resources. Focus is general US Latino and Latin American. In
English (some links in Spanish, Portuguese); no search engine.
Hispanic/Latino News Service
Well-organized abstracting service of current news articles and
editorials on Latino and some Latin American topics from Web news sources. Includes
partial archives dating back to late 1998, though links may no longer be
active. Includes additional features such as Latin music
charts, online polls, and homepage services. In English; smaller, parallel
Spanish site features abstracts of Spanish-language news articles from
the Web; search engine. (For more information, see also my
published review from C&RL News.)
The Hispanic/Latino Telaraña
An extensive site that includes links to creative arts, careers, cultural
centers, E-publications, newsgroups and mailing lists, and organizations.
Focus is on Latin American, peninsular Spanish, and some Chicano, general
Latino, Cuban American, Puerto Rican sites. In English (bilingual main menu);
no search engine.
Hispanic Pages in the USA
Includes a few useful US Latino resources, particularly a "Who's Who of the
Hispanic Web" directory and the e-journal Coloquio. Includes Chicano,
Puerto Rican, Cuban American information; Latin American, peninsular Spanish,
and Basque sites. Garish use of graphics detracts from the site. In
English and Spanish (some sections in Spanish only).
Hispanic Network Magazine
Despite the name, this is a career and employment-focused site that
includes resources such as Latino-related employment fairs,
lists of relevant conferences and their dates, and other career
information. It does not include online magazine articles, though
subscription information is posted.
Hispanic Vista.com
News service that links to news articles, information and services of
interest from elsewhere on the Web, much (but not all of which) are on
Latino topics and issues; many of the top news stories are not
about or by Latinos, such as articles about Steven Spielberg or China.
From San Diego.
HOLA: Hispanic On-Line Association
Organizes noteworthy Latino Web sites by language (bilingual, in English,
etc.), and provides links, annotations, and grades to HOLA's selection of
the best of the best (many of which are Latin American). Includes
Hola! Magazine, shareware
archives, a Web guide for children, and various networking tools.
Puerto Rican Legal Defense & Education Fund
(formerly, IPRNet)
(Institute for Puerto Rican Policy Network)
Formerly, this website was a major Puerto Rican research and policy site
that includes articles, publications, news,
statistical releases, events, the online newsletter Crítica, and
other
resources; it also sponsored the (now defunct?) Internet mailing list
IPR-Forum. Many Puerto Rican
sites consider only PR island culture and issues; IPRNet looked also at
US-specific Puerto Rican identity and policy issues. In English; no search
engine. Update:
Currently undergoing major redesign due to its merger with the Puerto Rican
Legal Defense and Education Fund (PRLDEF). (For more information about
IRPNet, see also my
published review from C&RL News.)
LatinoWeb
One of the most inclusive sites, and definitely one of the easiest to search
and browse. This massive site collects and annotates links ranging from arts,
business, jobs & bilingual classifieds, education, history, government agencies,
non-profit organizations, newspapers & magazines, personal pages. Unique
features include an interactive chat forum, talent directory, book
advertisements, and a listing of Latino radio and television sites.
Includes information relevant to many specific US Latino groups; some Latin
American and peninsular Spanish sites. In English and Spanish (some sections
bilingual); includes search engine.
Update: Currently undergoing
renovation; new Java-enhanced website to be launched Sept. 16, 1999.
LULAC
The website of this well-known organization functions as a clearinghouse
to their own weekly policy briefs, and includes much useful information
such as a Congressional scorecard (detailing Senate and House votes by state
and name), sections on immigration, Puerto Rico and the statehood
question, voter rights, "English Plus," briefs on upcoming legislation
relevant to Latino populations, and much more. Very well designed and
timely. In English; no search engine.
Mexico's Index Channel
Previously, a numbered list of unalphabetized, unannotated links about
immigration,
Proposition 187, NAFTA, and news, with a focus on Chicano, Mexican, and
general Latino sites. Smaller site than most, but useful focus. Update: Entire site has been enlarged and
revamped with
graphics and new sections on topics such as "Mexico for Kids," "Hurricane
Season," and "Fighting Drugs" added. Much of the previous coverage on
specifically Chicano and U.S. Latino issues seems currently (8/99) to be
gone. Search for "Mexican American Affairs" (subtitle of their former
name) to pull up the Chicano / Latino materials still on the site. In
English; includes search engine.
Las mujeres
Biographical profiles on selected US Latinas and Latin American women,
ranging from Julia Alvarez, Cristina García, Mary Helen Ponce, and
Gloria Estefan to
the ubiquitous Frida Kahlo and Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz.
Although the site seems quite likely to be making unauthorized use of some
copyrighted material (reprinting entire articles from periodicals and
reference books not online), at least
the sources have been cited. Includes many web links for each profile.
National Council of La Raza
Well-organized Web site from this policy focused organization provides
extensive annotated lists of NCLR publications for sale, news briefs on
issues
such as health, education, immigration, and policy, and an unannotated
list of other Web sites of interest. In English; includes search engine.
New York Semanal
All the major portions of this weekly news service link unexpectedly to
well-known
sites such as CNN en español and PBS Online, but it also includes
major sections of
En español.com and other resources. Worth
exploring. Mostly in Spanish, some English; no search engine.
Nueva Vista: Latino/Puerto Rican Issues & Views
Presents news, viewpoints, and partially annotated links on many topics.
Puerto Rican, Chicano, and general Latino sites; also includes some Latin
American information. Update: This
site now bills its subtitle as "Latino Perspective," and
has been overhauled since our last visit; it currently (8/99) is offline
for yet another facelift. Due back online later this month. In
English; no search engine.
¡Qué hubo!
Massive listing of Colombian and Colombian American businesses and
individuals on the Internet. In Spanish, with parallel English language
site currently under construction.
El Salvador a Wonderful Country
Lots of links to general information about El Salvador, but also discussion
groups, e-journals and other resources by and about Salvadorans in the US.
In English.
LATINO-FOCUSED PORTALS & SUBJECT DIRECTORIES
Picosito.com
Bilingual site from San Francisco with full-text news articles, plus
business news, health,
immigration, culture, and sports. A "quizito" offers lowest-common
denominator quizzes on Latino culture and issues. Also offers e-mail
services; home
pages, a discussion forum, and other interactive features are also being
planned but currently (8/99) not available. Overall, the site seems low on
content, both Latino-centered and otherwise. Worth a browse, but
currently not recommended. In Spanish and English; includes search engine.
QuéPasa.com
Yahoo-like directory and search engine dedicated to mostly Latin American
and some US Latino website retrieval, from Phoenix, Arizona. The
organization of the site is
crisp, but retrieval is often slow and contents of the QuéPasa
database (what is retrieved) are currently (8/99) quite uneven and
definitely not comprehensive. For example, a search for
revistas or journals pulls up numerous Colombian medical journals, but
few titles from other Latin American countries or from the US.
Nonetheless, a site to watch. Bilingual with parallel sites in Spanish
and in English.
StarMedia.com
Collection of selected world news stories and miscellaneous services
such as shopping, interactive chat sites, Internet guides, games, and
related ephemera. This New York site is being described as a Latino
portal to
the Internet, but beyond the fact of its being in Spanish, as of this
writing (8/99) there was not much of
interest in terms of specifically Latino or even Latin American content.
Worth a browse, but currently not recommended. In Spanish, Portuguese, and
(some sections) English.
Yahoo en español
Spanish-language version of Yahoo that focuses on classification and retrieval
of websites written in Spanish, with a special focus on Argentina,
Colombia, Chile, Spain, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. Note that US Latino
websites (and all Latino-relevant websites) written in English are
not included, which means that numerous major
US Latino sites are explicitly excluded. In Spanish; includes (very slow)
search engine.
Yupi.com
From Miami Beach, another Yahoo-like directory WWW search engine, this one
obviously named after
Yahoo as well. Although the emphasis is on Latin American websites and
information, a search feature allows searches for US websites only.
Organization of Yupi.com is clean, and retrieval was fast. Its weakness,
like that of
QuéPasa.com, is the uneven and unrepresentative
selection of
sites included in the directory itself. Just the same, it is another
directory to watch, particularly if selection is improved.
El Andar Worldwide
Stylish literary and cultural e-journal hosted by the Electric Mercado.
Focus on Chicano and Mexican issues. In English.
Arena cultural
New e-journal hosted by Chicago's La Raza newspaper
includes signed literary essays and profiles of Latino and Latin American
authors, musicians, and artists. One previous issue
(number 3) is
also online (as of 8/99), but a comprehensive index or menuing system has
yet to be
built to access this or other previous issues directly from the Arena
site. In Spanish; no search engine.
Borderlines
Scholarly articles on environmental health, climate changes, immigration
law, politics, and related topics concerning the Mexico - US border. From
New Mexico. Fully bilingual with parallel sites in English and in Spanish.
La Campana
Miami newspaper dedicated to "la libertad de Cuba" covers Cuban and
Cuban American politics, and many other topics including sports, health,
arts & entertainment, and more. In Spanish.
Colombian Post
Colombian, Colombian American, and Latino current news hosted by Holanet and
focusing on the Miami area.
Contacto
Sophisticated lifestyle and news magazine from Burbank that calls itself
"una revista
para el latino de hoy," targeting topics of interest to many specific Latino
groups as well as news that impacts all Latinos. There are sections on
society
and culture, immigration, the arts, editorials, current news, music,
humor, and food. In Spanish, with some sections in English; no search
engine.
Crítica: A Journal of Puerto Rican Policy and Politics Online newsletter that focuses on policy and identity issues, with no holds barred. Individual articles can be accessed via IPRNet's online library. In English. Update:Temporarily offline; see information at IPRNet.
El cuarto del quenepón
Innovative Puerto Rican online creative arts and literary journal, with
critical essays. In Spanish (some essays in English only).
Daily Roots Stand
Alternative and innovative electronic newspaper from Brooklyn, NY features
"Apartamento 3A" column by Nellie Rosario, who frequently writes on Dominican,
Cuban, and Afro-Latin identity issues. Includes interactive chat forum for
reader feedback and conversations. In English.
Update: Another sad casualty of the new
commercially-driven
Web. Daily Roots Stand, a portion of the Café Los Negroes site,
officially closed down mid-November 1998; some of
the articles are still archived at the "Daily Roots Stand" URL linked above.
Del corazón
Latino arts webzine written for educators and young students; produced by
the National Museum of American Art and hosted by the Smithsonian's website.
Desde Cuba
Described as uncensored Cuban news; includes numerous links. In Spanish.
Still being maintained? Update:
Best viewed now (as of summer 1999) only as an archive of Cuba-related
news stories from the mid-1990's. Many links broken; a dead artifact in
cyberspace.
Diario las Américas
Cuban- and Cuban American-focused newspaper from Miami, that includes a
great deal of Latin American news as well. Includes sections typical
to newspapers such as sports and editorials, but also includes "Notas
evangélicas and Cuestiones gramaticales. Also includes links
elsewhere, with some general US Latino information. In Spanish; no search
engine.
En español.com
Pan-Latino and Latin American e-zine covers news, sports, food, culture,
travel, and other topics, with
all articles and information in Spanish. Also includes their lifestyle
e-zine, Enterate, which
covers many of the same topics. Apparently from Atlanta, GA.
Frontera Literary Magazine
Essential literary e-journal with numerous critical articles
and interviews in every
issue; focus on Chicano / Mexican American literature and authors.
Includes comments and discussion section, plus links elsewhere. In
English; no search engine.
GENERATION-ñ
Slick and humorous e-zine focuses on
first generation Cuban American culture. In English and Spanish. Still
being maintained? Update: Now includes
some
new features, but overall seems to be an elaborate advertisement for
subscription. Currently searching for more information on publication
and pricing. Stay tuned.
Habaguanex Ciboney: Web Magazine of Cuba in Exile
Includes articles, "factelitos" or little facts about Cuba, movie reviews,
poetry, recipes and entertainment for Cuban Americans and exiles; includes
extensive links. In English, includes separate Spanish section.
Update: Another artifact of the Web
that seems no longer to be maintained; archived articles and some of the
links are still useful.
Hispanic Business
Electronic version of this business magazine includes links to some of
the feature articles and news stories included in the print version.
Many stories also include relevant links elsewhere. In English.
Hispanic Online
Electronic version of the well-known magazine (and a direct link to
subscription information on Moderna
magazine, its spin-off publication for Latinas). "Tesoros del Web" section
features random selection of US Latino and many Latin American web sites.
In English.
Hopscotch
New literary journal edited by critic Ilán Stavans presents
online essays on Latin American, Latin American Jewish, and US Latino
identities and cultures. Full-text (or in some cases, partial text)
of only selected articles available online; all others are citations
only. Includes annotated list of Latin American and
US Latino (mainly Mexican American) Web sites of interest. In English.
Guanaquiemos
From Miami, literary and cultural e-journal for Salvadorans whose focus is
to remember El Salvador "with a smile and with nostalgia;" aimed at all
Salvadorans "no importa donde estemos." In Spanish.
'LA' Ritmo.com
New biweekly music e-journal, focusing on Puerto Rican salsa and music of
all kinds. Includes interviews, reviews, music charts. In English; no
search engine.
LatinoLink
Major e-zine provides news, articles, entertainment with focus on many US
Latino groups and various Latin American issues; includes bulletin boards and
chat forums. In English and some Spanish; includes search engine.
Latin Music ¡OnLine!
One of the best and most extensive Latin music sites with a focus on salsa,
tropical, and contemporary Latin pop and rock music. Features interviews,
reviews, New York live music club guide, and suggested resources. In English.
Latina Style Magazine
Electronic version of the popular fashion and lifestyle magazine aimed at
young Latinas. Full text articles provided for some back issues only;
current and more recent issues provide selected table of contents and
interactive features, but not the stories or feature articles
themselves. In English, with some bilingual features; includes search
engine.
Latino USA: The Radio Journal of News & Culture
Excellent site provides access to sound files and some text transcripts of
Latino USA's radio recent programs on diverse topics such as Latinos in
unions, Colombians in Miami, the political situation in Puerto Rico, and
Latino baseball players in the Negro Major Leagues. Requires RealAudio
Player, and Adobe Acrobat for some text files. In English.
LATNN.com: Latino On-Line News Network
News articles of interest to Latinos, in English and in Spanish. Sources
of the news include LATNN's wire news service and their superb electronic
journal,
Gráfico,
which includes author interviews, in-depth essays, and opinion pieces. Focus
is on many Latino groups, and includes relevant articles regarding Latin
American events. In English and Spanish; includes search engine.
(For
more information about Latino news sites, see my
published review from C&RL News.)
National Association of Hispanic Journalists
Features news articles on various US Latino groups and topics in its "Latino
Reporter" section; includes professional information for organization members
regarding conferences. In English.
El Nuevo Herald Digital
One of the best online daily newspapers, from Miami. Includes Cuban section,
news of interest to many Latino groups in the Miami area, as well as
international, national, and regional news, cultural information, and services.
In Spanish.
El Pueblo Magazine
From Houston, this online magazine describes itself as "...dedicated to all
issues in the Houston metro-area Chicano, Latino, and Mexican community.
Issues from entertainment to politics and an array of issues in between
are covered." Bilingual in English and Spanish; no search engine.
Puerto Rico: Reflections on the Oldest Colony
Digital radio news program from Pacifica Radio Network News focuses on
the political status of Puerto Rico and its small island of Vieques, long
the site of a U.S. military base whose activities have had a negative
impact on the economy and health of local residents. In 1999, the
military accidentally shelled and killed a Puerto Rican resident and
wounded others. Recorded news features detail protests
of the Puerto Rican people seeking to have the base and the U.S.
occupancy removed. Requires RealAudio Player. Also includes facts and
statistics concerning Puerto Rico and its people. In English.
Pocho Productions' Virtual Varrio
Chicano humor, comic art, and satire. Offers two versions of the website --
one laden with JavaScript, audio features, and Shockwave plug-ins, and a
stripped down version for the rest of us. In English.
La Prensa de San Antonio
Online weekly edition of this newspaper from Texas. Fully bilingual in
English and Spanish.
La Raza On Line
$$
Electronic version of this newspaper from Chicago features articles on
regional and national US Latino issues and events, and Latin American
news coverage, with an emphasis on Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Colombia.
One of the most inclusive newspapers in terms of Latino groups covered. In
Spanish, with parallel site in English; no search engine.
(For more information about Latino news sites, see my
published review from C&RL News.)
El Sol de Texas
Editorials, features, and cultural articles and graphics from the
electronic version of this newspaper, the paper version of which has been
in existence since 1966. In Spanish (menu items are in English); no
search engine.
Urban Latino Magazine
Intelligent and flashy youth-oriented e-journal with long critical
articles on music,
culture, fashion, politics, and various manifestations of hip-hop ethnic
pride,
with a special focus on Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Colombians, Cuban
Americans,
and other Latinos. Includes online bodega that sells t-shirts and other
items. In English; no search engine.
Vista Magazine
The electronic version of the newspaper insert familiar to many Latino
communities nationwide. Includes articles on prominent Latinos, music
reviews, Latino success stories, parenting features, and other topics.
In English and Spanish; no search engine.