University libraries are transforming the academic landscape by championing inclusive excellence in research. Institutions of higher education such as Drexel University, Kean University, and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville are leading this charge with groundbreaking programs and resources that empower faculty and students.
Drexel University Libraries has prioritized inclusive scholarship by enhancing access to a broad range of resources and offering expert guidance on open access (OA) publishing. Faculty members benefit from curated collections featuring works by underrepresented voices and comprehensive consultations on integrating these materials into their research. In 2024, Drexel introduced publishing discounts that reduce financial barriers for authors pursuing OA, expanding access to research studies.
During International Open Access Week, Drexel hosted workshops like Introduction to Open Access Publishing & Resources, equipping researchers with tools to navigate OA publishing, identify credible journals, and maximize the visibility of their work. This aligns with the 2024 theme, Community Over Commercialization, emphasizing equitable knowledge sharing. Over the past year, the library’s OA initiatives have saved Drexel authors nearly $500,000. Specialized LibGuides, collaborative campus initiatives, and support for research visibility further demonstrate the library’s dedication to fostering an inclusive academic community.
The Nancy Thompson Learning Commons (NTLC) at Kean University offers tailored services to advance research among faculty and students. By providing databases, journals, and books authored by underrepresented scholars, NTLC ensures that a multitude of perspectives are represented in academic work. Faculty benefit from personalized research coaching, which assists in integrating inclusive principles into their projects and publications.
NTLC actively supports grant applications and funding opportunities for diversity-focused initiatives, alongside hosting professional development workshops on inclusive pedagogy and research practices. Its new Research Coaching program empowers both students and faculty to incorporate marginalized voices into their academic endeavors, strengthening inclusion of different perspectives in classroom curricula and scholarly output. Additionally, NTLC facilitates dissemination through Kean’s digital repository, ensuring such research gains broader recognition.
At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the John C. Hodges Library exemplifies how academic libraries can serve as community connectors and champions of inclusive research. Signature events like Big Orange STEM Saturday (BOSS) provide exposure for underserved high school students—many of whom are potential first-generation college enrollees—to STEM careers through interactive workshops and presentations.
The Hodges Library also preserves diverse experiences in a robust digital archive. The Voices Out Loud collection chronicles eastern Tennessee’s LGBTQIA+ history through a repository of oral histories, letters, photographs, and artifacts. The Rising from the Ashes project documents the oral histories of individuals affected by the 2016 Great Smoky Mountain wildfires.
The library’s cataloging department has taken significant strides by revising classifications and metadata to reflect inclusive standards. For example, terms such as “Tulsa race riots” have been updated to “Tulsa race massacre,” aligning with modern historical interpretations. The department also expanded their process of tagging literary works and musical compositions by Black and Latino creators, enhancing searchability for researchers from these backgrounds.
Through their targeted efforts equipping scholars with critical resources, fostering equitable access to publishing, and bridging gaps for underrepresented groups, these institutions’ libraries are helping to shape a more equitable academic future.
