Libraries
Area Studies Research Center and Collections
Introduction
The Area Studies Research Center and Collections is a centerpiece of the WIU Libraries initiative to promote the internalization and diversity of the university. These collections are envisioned not merely as repositories of materials and information to promote studies and knowledge about the areas, but more importantly, are meant to create intellectual and academic spaces for analysis and discussion about area studies issues and topics. They will invite students, scholars, and the community to participate in the scholarly work atmosphere. The development of the Area Studies Collections part of a proposal to the US Department of Education Title VI Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program, supported by the Office of the Provost and the Office of the President.
Collections Overview
Collection Development History
Librarians at the Leslie F. Malpass Library of Western Illinois University established this collection in 2022 as part of a collection of area study centers including African-American, Africa, and African Diaspora; Middle East; Asia and Europe; Women, Gender, LGBTQ+; Anti-Racism, Intolerance, and Holocaust Studies Collection.
Collection Development for Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Understanding that culture and experience are intrinsic to individuals and communities, these collections do not seek to define, limit, exclude, or reduce identity, personhood, or community. This collection does not replace or dictate identity to any person, persons, or group, but rather serves as an attempt, albeit imperfect, to organize information for scholarly work at Western Illinois University. While definitions as applied by some classification systems may be exclusive and marginalizing, the collection seeks to represent and encourage academic study of and research related to the different regions without boundaries.
While some collection development behavior prior to the foundation of the collection in 2022 may be considered problematic, continued curated collecting will address any imbalance effectively through clear collection policies that reflect the wholehearted commitment of librarians to the goals of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
African-American and Africana Area Studies Collection
The African and Africana Diaspora Studies Collection aims to support scholars in their academic and research endeavors, with a focus on exploring the histories, cultures, political, social dynamics and experiences of African-descended peoples globally. Encompassing materials from the Sub-Saharan African region, as well as resources relevant for African-American Studies, the African Diaspora, and Afrodescendants worldwide, this collection provides access to a wide array of resources, including English-language materials and original works in languages spoken within the regions, such as French, Portuguese, and Yoruba.
Asian, European and its Diaspora Area Studies Collection
The Asia and Europe Studies Collection aims to support scholars in their academic and research endeavors by focusing on the global histories, cultures, political and social dynamics, and experiences of these culturally diverse communities in these regions. Encompassing materials from diverse regions spanning Asia, including Central Asia, Eastern Asia, South-eastern Asia, and Southern Asia, as well as Europe, this collection offers access to a wide array of resources. These include English-language materials and original works in languages spoken within the regions, such Spanish, Portuguese, and French.
Hispanic, Latinx, and Caribbean Area Studies Collection
The Hispanic, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies Collection aims to support scholars in their academic and research endeavors, with a focus on exploring the histories, cultures, political, social dynamics and global experiences of these culturally diverse communities. Encompassing materials from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Iberian Peninsula, our collection provides access to a wide array of resources, including English-language materials and original works in languages spoken within the region, such as Spanish, Portuguese, French and some indigenous languages.
Middle East and Diaspora Area Studies Collection
The Middle East and Diaspora Studies Collection aims to support scholars in their academic and research endeavors by focusing on the global histories, cultures, political and social dynamics, and experiences of these culturally diverse communities and people. Encompassing materials from West Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa and the Middle East Diaspora, this collection provides access to a wide array of resources, including English-language materials and original works in languages spoken within the regions, such as Arabic, Pashto and Persian.
Women, Gender, LGBTQ+ Studies Collection
The Women, Gender, LGBTQ+ Studies Collection aims to collect, maintain, and promote scholarly research, materials, and activities at Western Illinois University related to women, gender studies, and individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other related identities. The Collection also focuses on exploring how identity plays a fundamental role in various aspects of life, including personal, cultural, social, governmental and religious dimensions. While the approach to this collection is based on identity, it does not define identity for individuals nor does it presuppose identity for particular groups. Intersectionality, which recognizes the multifaceted nature of identity, is essential to this collection’s approach rather than a token gesture or even a complication.
Anti-Racism, Intolerance, Genocide, and Holocaust Studies Collection
The Anti-Racism, Intolerance, Genocide, and Holocaust Studies Collection at Western Illinois University's Quad Cities Campus supports research on these critical topics. Its purpose is to collect and provide access to materials that explore, contextualize, and reveal scholarly information about racism, intolerance, genocide, and the Holocaust. The collection aims to foster rigorous academic inquiry and connections between global and personal narratives. Established in 2022, it forms part of a broader series of area studies collections. The collection emphasizes justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, seeking to represent and encourage study without defining or limiting identities. It includes diverse formats and focuses on current and relevant publications while collaborating with other library collections.
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