The IDEA Loft: Establishing Browsable and Useful Resources for Diverse Student Needs

The University of Evansville Library established the “IDEA Loft” (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access) as a hub for student wellness and inclusivity. The IDEA Loft provides a rotating display of hard copy books and magazines useful especially to students who are LGBTQ+, first generation, low income, international, people of color, and/or living with disabilities. The space additionally includes a rack of brochures for organizations that can assist students who struggle with issues including food insecurity, mental health crises, and sexual violence. This lightning talk will discuss how we established the space and how other institutions may adapt the idea.