Student Perceptions of Social Ethic Supports in Higher Education Academic Library Collections

Academic libraries in the United States are designed to serve all students within their institutions; however, as student populations become increasingly diverse, many libraries have not been fully structured to meet the needs of varied demographic groups (Chen, 2018). This study investigates student perceptions of diversity, equity, and inclusion within academic library collections. Guided by an action research framework, it explores how students—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—perceive their university library’s efforts to foster equity and belonging through its collections. Data was collected through a student survey administered at a medium-sized public university in northeastern Pennsylvania, providing localized insights into the inclusivity of the institution’s collection development practices. Findings revealed both strengths and gaps in the library’s approach to supporting diverse student needs. Based on these results, the study proposes actionable recommendations to enhance equitable representation, strengthen students’ sense of belonging, and inform future collection development and academic library leadership practices.

Keywords: academic libraries, diversity, inclusion, equity, student perspective, belonging, action research, uses and gratification theory