Purpose and History of the Library
The Lavender Library supports the general and popular interests of students and members of the LGBTQ+ campus community. The collection focuses primarily on the needs of LGBTQ+ students of UCA. It is a free library, and patrons may return books, keep books, or give to another.
Although managed by UCA’s Learning Communities, the Lavender Library is part of a campus-wide initiative to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ students in a safe, life-affirming spaces. In 2021, representatives from Housing & Residence Life, Academic and Student Affairs, Torreyson Library, & UCA’s Learning Communities collaborated to define the scope, procure resources, and establish policies. The Lavender Library is open and is located in Muse Residential College at Arkansas Hall (enter from the south end of the building).
Format of Resources Collected
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Printed books (monographs)
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Comics/graphic novels
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Ephemera
Treatment of Subject
Primarily popular but also scholarly. The primary focus includes identity development; queer theory; transgender representation and experiences; gender expression; gender identity; sexuality; disorders of sex development & intersectionality. Materials focus on all aspects of LGBTQ+ life including art; drama; health and medicine; history; legal issues; literature; music; politics; psychology; philosophy; religion; theory; work or career issues.
Works that examine the history and complexity of the LGBTQ+ relationship with a heterosexual majority are welcome. However, works that promote false information, anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, and racist or racially biased sentiment are not acceptable.
Collecting Priorities
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Activism
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Art/Photography
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Comics/Graphic Novels/Zines
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Popular Fiction
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Serials/Periodicals
Donations to the Collection
The Lavender Library gladly accepts donations of new and gently used books. For ideas about what to donate or to purchase a book to add to the collection, visit our Amazon Gift Registry. While Amazon was intentionally chosen for ease-of-use, please feel welcome to purchase from your preferred bookstore. Not sure where your local bookstore is? You can use Bookshop.org to find a store in your area, or you can purchase from Bookshop to generally support independent bookstores. Have any book recommendations you would like to share? Fill out a Feedback Form, we would love to hear your suggestions (must use your UCA email to access the form)! View our current inventory here!
Who to Contact
Please direct questions and comments related to the Lavender Library to llc@uca.edu.