University Libraries

By Katy Kelly

Every student will use a book, scholarly journal, newspaper, streaming video or other information resource in their time at University of Dayton. As one of its core services, University Libraries select and purchase materials and make them available. We elevate this service by being proactive to curriculum needs and ensuring our collections reflect the diverse perspectives of our community.

In addition to working with instructors who request new library materials, the University Libraries are intentional about enhancing teaching and learning within UD’s diversity and social justice-themed courses. Shazia Rahman, an associate professor in the Department of English, teaches Global South Feminisms and shared some challenges.

“If students are writing about a film, they really have to have it in streaming form rather than a DVD because many of them will have to watch and rewatch it on their own time,” Rahman said. “International material is always harder to find, but critical reading of texts requires a high level of engagement, which isn't possible without library support." 

Tina Beis, director of collections strategies and services, and Ione Damasco, associate dean for inclusive excellence and organizational development, created a strategy to address this as part of the Libraries’ three-year Plan for Inclusive Excellence.

Adding to the Collection

Liaison librarians reach out to instructors teaching Common Academic Program diversity and social justice (CAP DSJ) courses. Instructors are invited to submit material requests for the Libraries. Beis and Damasco built in a regular outreach workflow to ensure this happens each semester.

Outreach began in 2022 to encourage item requests by instructors of all 67 CAP DSJ courses being taught that fall semester. In the first week, requests stemming from the liaison invitations prompted the purchase of 23 new items for courses in a wide range of topics: 

• Chinese Civilization and Culture
• Foundations of Disability Studies
• Global South Feminisms
• Introduction to Race and Ethnic Studies
• The Hispanophone Caribbean

“These additions to our collection ensure we are supporting students across all majors in these courses,” said Beis. “We are especially interested in adding more inclusive materials that showcase a broad range of voices and smaller publishers.”

Between August 2022 and July 2024, liaisons have purchased or licensed 134 items to benefit 30 UD classes that have a diversity and social justice focus. 

"The University Libraries' support for my course included everything from books to a film that my students greatly appreciated,” Rahman said. “I am especially thankful to Ione Damasco for making material available that is otherwise difficult to access in the forms that are best suited to teaching.”

A core service on our campus is enhanced by a global perspective and ongoing faculty collaboration. This initiative ensures we are rectifying historical practices of exclusion by providing access to materials created by underserved and historically excluded communities. 

“By educating the mind and the heart, the school can form people who in turn can work at changing the very structures of their society to ensure a community of justice and reconciliation.” — Blessed William Joseph Chaminade

Read More

The Libraries Plan for Inclusive Excellence was created to advance the University’s diversity plan — the Flyers Plan for Community Excellence (PDF) — and the Anti-Racism Action Plan.  

— In the University Libraries, Katy Kelly is a professor and assistant dean of strategic communication and outreach. Feature photo by Surya Deip Reddy Kesaram ’25.