Embedded Resistance: Collection Strategies from an Ethnic Studies Librarian

Ethnic Studies is a relatively new academic discipline with roots in social justice. It is therefore fitting that the Ethnic Studies Librarian position at a R1 public institution in the midwest emerged from student interest in 2023. Responding to student desire for greater representation within University Libraries, this position is tied to the Center for Ethnic Studies and its related programs/majors. Despite optimistic beginnings for the position, Ohio Senate Bill 1 (SB1) the "Enact Advance Ohio Higher Education Act" eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion training within universities and eradicated university systems dedicated to students of color on campus. As Ethnic Studies Librarian, I work with students researching topics related to Ethnic Studies, and those interested in finding more information on their cultural identity. Building responsive and reflective collections supports this and offers resistance to attacks on diversity on campus. This collection work has extended to artists' books and other non-traditional materials - tools that captivate and engage researchers and students with identity, race, ethnicity, social class, and inequity. I've worked with colleagues at the Fine Arts Library, Area Studies, and Special Collections to secure artists' books from independent vendors: an artist collective in Puerto Rico and a bookstore in Hawaii to bolster our Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian American holdings and to support smaller publishers. This poster highlighted the acquisition process of these materials and the unique opportunity to support the Center for Ethnic Studies during a politically charged moment – when celebrating difference is taboo.------------------- LEARNING OBJECTIVES: (1) How to work across departments within a library to engage in collections work. (2) Approaches to partnering with smaller, independent vendors with acquisitions work. (3) Ways that collection work can continue to serve students, faculty, and campus community despite political upheaval and DEIA bans.