Expanding a collection to reflect diverse user populations

Abstract

Purpose

To include multicultural/multilingual materials in academic library collections to reflect the heritage of native‐born, naturalized and international students.

Design/methodology/approach

A collection development project on Somalis and Somalia at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Exemplifies the opportunities and difficulties involved, from requesting funds through impact on the collection.

Findings

Collection now more accurately reflects student and regional population without a major shift away from curriculum needs.

Originality/value

Adding materials based on students' heritage helps create a welcoming atmosphere for all populations while providing materials with which to counter prejudices and to increase the knowledge base and communicative competencies of those unused to multicultural settings.

Citation

Schomberg, J. and Grace, M. (2005), "Expanding a collection to reflect diverse user populations", Collection Building, Vol. 24 No. 4, pp. 124-126. https://doi.org/10.1108/01604950510629282