‘Women in Architecture Collection’ launched

May 12, 2023

The John Rex Architecture Library recently launched the “Women in Architecture Collection,” which includes hundreds of books and resources by women and about women in architecture.

The OSU Libraries has dedicated resources to ensure the collection represents the researchers it serves. The Women in Architecture Collection” was first proposed by Library staff member, Gala Lackey. She identified a gap in female representation in the existing library materials after learning that women make up 45% of the student population at the OSU School of Architecture, but only 22% of licensed architects in the US are women.

Survey results from the OSU Cowboy Data Round-up provided insights on the lived experience of the female students in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. It found that 66% of the women in CEAT believe diversity and inclusion could be improved by providing and promoting resources devoted to diversity for the OSU community. Building the Women in Architecture Collection” is one way to provide and promote resources devoted to diversity for the OSU community.

Dean of Libraries, Sheila Johnson found merit in Lackey’s proposal to infuse the architecture library collection with materials for women and by women in architecture. Johnson allocated funding from the Rosalinn Swinka Endowment to purchase materials.

The Women in Architecture Collection” is available for browsing at the John Rex Cunningham Architecture Library, located in Room 160 of the Donald W. Reynolds School of Architecture Building. Most items can be checked out by anyone with an OSU ID or an OSU Library courtesy card. To view items in the collection, visit https://bit.ly/3TPVx3k.

URL: https://library-dep.okstate.edu/news/archived-news/spring-2023/‘women-in-architecture-collection’-launched

Last Updated: 12 May 2023