The UO Libraries’ Asian Collection, located in the Knight Library, was established in 1967 and has since become the largest collection of its kind in Oregon with more than 100,000 print titles. When a change in the book shelving policy occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese Studies Specialist Xiaotong Wang and Japanese Studies Librarian Kevin McDowell saw an opportunity to rethink this area of the library to create a more useful resource for the community.

The collection may have started small, but it has become quite expansive, serving many different units on campus including art history, geography, and the Center for Asian and Pacific Studies. It covers:

• Popular readings such as graphic novels, cookbooks, and fiction
• Contemporary works reflecting Asian literature and languages
• Materials on religion, gender diversity, and minority communities
• Geography, history, philosophy, folklore, and art
• Digital databases for convenient access to the materials

Along with the many rows of books, the Asian Collection space features a multitude of cozy study spots and a new mural inspired by Asian heritage. While working with a design contractor to create the mural, they were presented with ideas, such as a dragon, that felt stereotypical and not truly representative of Asian culture. Wang said that they didn’t want to “perpetuate that stereotype; we wanted to have something that would be truly reflective of Asian cultures.” By asking their colleagues of Asian heritage what they would like to see, they decided on an image of a crane in front of a rising sun and rolling hills. These images connect to themes of peace, longevity, and renewal.

When Wang and McDowell started the remodel process, they had a few goals in mind for what the collection would turn out to be. They focused on making sure it reflected the diversity of all Asian cultures and histories, allowing it to be a research hub for those in and around the UO community in all fields of study. As they continually expand the collection, they plan to hold classes and collaborative workshops to promote the many uses of the materials. As for the space itself, they hope it will function as a cultural focus that creates a sense of belonging for the Asian community. Making sure students feel connected to the space is huge.

“We’re hoping to have students feel some ownership and involvement with [the space]” said McDowell, when discussing their idea to eventually have students create exhibits and curate parts of the collection. 

Head to the second floor of the Knight Library to check out the Asian collection space and go to the University of Oregon Libraries’ website to explore the digital Asian Studies collection

The redesigning of the Asian collection was made possible by support from the UO Libraries Administration and the generosity of anonymous donors. McDowell and Wang express their sincere thanks to the following individuals for their contributions to the project:

From UO Libraries: Nancy Cunningham, Rebecca DesPrez, Randi Eby, Mandi Garcia, Ryan Hildebrand, Amy Lake, Audrey Lee, Bing Li, Kumiko McDowell, Kelley McGrath, Noelle Jang, Blake Scott, Genifer Snipes, Jaz Tojong, and Brenda Willis. And from Campus Planning and Facilities Management: Janell Cottam and Brianna Liberty.