Content area

Abstract

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields lack diversity, especially diversity of race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status. This can be traced to a lack of female and minority representation in reference books and library collections. Libraries are in a unique position to help correct these omissions through reappraisal of reference collections using feminist standpoint epistemology and the diversity audit. In addition, public libraries can help children from diverse backgrounds feel included in the scientific community by providing STEM programming and encouraging hands-on scientific exploration. Research has shown that underrepresented students are less likely than their White counterparts to complete STEM degrees, which is often due to a lack of academic support or understanding of the research process. To help mitigate this deficiency, academic libraries, especially those at community colleges where student populations are naturally diverse, can support STEM students by providing library instruction sessions designed specifically for STEM research. 

Details

1010268
Title
Equity in Research Preparedness: The Role of the Library in Promoting STEM Education in Underserved Communities
Number of pages
64
Publication year
2024
Degree date
2024
School code
0031
Source
MAI 85/12(E), Masters Abstracts International
ISBN
9798382837079
Committee member
Fabicon, Joanna Kristen; Furner, Jonathan; Sepikas, John P.; Sutherland, Tonia
University/institution
University of California, Los Angeles
Department
Library and Information Science 0509
University location
United States -- California
Degree
M.L.I.S.
Source type
Dissertation or Thesis
Language
English
Document type
Dissertation/Thesis
Dissertation/thesis number
31331250
ProQuest document ID
3068685002
Document URL
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/equity-research-preparedness-role-library/docview/3068685002/se-2?accountid=208611
Copyright
Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works.
Database
ProQuest One Academic