New Collaborative Space

College Library strives to be an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. We’ve recently reviewed our space use policies and have made the decision to transform 1193, which houses our Ethnic Studies Collection, into a group, collaborative space where talking is allowed and encouraged. This space can also be reserved for group meetings and events. To make a reservation, please contact Kelli Hughes.

The Ethnic Studies Collection began as a collaborative venture with the Dean of Students Office and Multi-Cultural Council in 1975. Included are books and DVDs which cover course-related subject matter and topics that are of current interest to students and faculty in Ethnic Studies Departments and for courses that fulfill the Ethnic Studies Requirement. This collection covers contemporary socio-economic, political and health issues, as well as literary, artistic, and historical material.

Room 1193 has on occasion been a space for events or displays of student work and is a great size to support both collaborative study and student discussions or programs. “I have never been comfortable with the notion of the Ethnic Studies Collection being located in a quiet study space that discourages interaction,”  director, Carrie Kruse stated. “By converting the room to group space that allows and encourages conversation, we also symbolically raise up the voices of marginalized groups, which is especially important in support of students who may want to come together in response to the campus, community, and world we live in today.”

The UW-Madison Libraries have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion and College Library’s mission states, “College Library supports the strategic goals of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and facilitates discovery and learning by creating a welcoming environment for all, especially those new to academic research.”