At Rowan University Libraries, we want to ensure that you feel a sense of belonging, both in our physical spaces and among our books and collections. Your input is very valuable to us to help our collections reflect the diversity of the Rowan community, and we invite your suggestions for new books to add to our shelves. Our collections are more than just books, journals, and databases – they encompass the ideas, cultures, and perspectives of our academic community and they help that community thrive.
We recognize the immense importance of fostering diversity and inclusivity in our collections to reflect our larger community. That is why we are proud to partner with local queer- and BIPOC- owned bookstores to enrich our shelves with your valuable suggestions. Together, we aim to create a library that truly represents our collective voices.
What do we mean by Diverse Collections?
We are taking three approaches to diversifying our collections:
Diverse Authorship: We aim to intentionally increase the representational diversity of our collection with books and materials authored by individuals from various identities, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and queer authors, non-Western voices, authors with disabilities, and authors from other minoritized communities. This approach enables us to create a collection that represents and resonates with a wider range of student experiences.
Diverse Topics: The world is evolving rapidly, and so are the needs of our student body. The library is actively working to broaden the range of topics covered in its collection, including materials focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), social justice, inclusive health, and other subjects crucial in today's society. We believe that by providing resources that tackle these issues, we empower you with the information to engage effectively with each other and the world around you.
Diverse Reading Needs and Interests: We understand that the student community is as diverse in its reading preferences as it is in its backgrounds. That is why we are determined to support various reading needs and interests. Whether you find enjoyment or inspiration in graphic novels, children's literature, or popular fiction, we are committed to creating a library environment where every student can find materials that resonate with their interests and passions.
Get Involved and Share Your Suggestions
Share your collection suggestions, whether they pertain to diverse authors, topics, subject areas, or simply your favorite book. We can't wait to hear from you! You can provide your input through this form.
We're excited to embark on this journey of diversifying Campbell Library's book collection together. Your voice matters, and together we can curate a diverse collection in Campbell Library that reflects the Rowan community. We look forward to hearing your suggestions.
If you have any questions about this project, feel free to contact Elliot Brandow, Director of Research & Instruction, at brandow@rowan.edu or Marryam Naqvi, Communications & Marketing Coordinator, at naqvi@rowan.edu.