Black Student Experience and Perception in Libraries at Predominantly White Institutions

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: A Critical Examination of Racial Identity Development in Higher Education Spaces

Abstract

Existing literature documents on the experiences of Black students in academic libraries at Predominantly White Institution (PWI) primarily focusing on the types of services. This study fills a gap in the literature by hearing the voices of Black students on their experiences on campus and in the library buildings, the extent to which they perceived the libraries as an inclusive space, and whether these perceptions had affected their library use. Twenty undergraduate students of Pennsylvania State University who identify as Black/African American and five library staff of Pennsylvania State University were interviewed. Findings suggest that the academic library is perceived as close to a contradictory space and the Black students formed counterspace in other parts of campus.

Authors

• Danica E White, Pennsylvania State University

• Lana Munip, The Pennsylvania State University - University Park

• Eun Jung Paik, The Pennsylvania State University - University Park