Libraries

world

WIU Libraries
Area Studies Research
Center and Collections

Discover a treasure repository of insights and narratives from across the globe within our diverse collections

Women, Gender, LGBTQ+ Studies Collection

Through diverse materials, this collection offers insights into the struggles, achievements, and ongoing efforts for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights.

Explore
WGL Image
ARH Image

Anti-Racism, Intolerance, Genocide, and Holocaust Studies Collection

Through diverse materials, this collection offers insights into the causes, consequences, and strategies for combating intolerance.

Explore

Topic Of The Month

Iran is located in Asia and it is one of the largest countries in that region of the world. It sits at the intersection of three different areas; The Middle East, Central Asia and the Indian Sub- Continent. Iran has borders with Turkey and Iraq (to the West), Armenia, Azerbaijan, Caspian Sea (to the North), Turkmenistan (to the North-East), Afghanistan and Pakistan (to the East) and the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman (to the South)...

Read More
TTM Image

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTORS

Dean

Dr. Héctor J. Maymí-Sugrañes

As Dean of the Academic Commons and University Libraries and CoDirector of the Area Studies Research Center and Collections, I am pleased to welcome you. The Area Studies Research Center and Collections is a research and teaching initiative dedicated to advancing the analysis and understanding of world regions through a crossregional, comparative perspective. The United States needs to understand the world, just as the world needs to understand the United States, and our work is grounded in that mutual exchange. Our strategic goal is to support professionals and students in developing new knowledge with a genuinely international outlook. We invite you to explore and enjoy our center and its collections.

Associate Librarian

Nadia Nieblas-Nunez

Welcome to the WIU Libraries Area Studies Research Center and Collections. As one of the co‑directors, I’m excited to share with you the diverse resources we’ve gathered from around the world. Our collections are designed to support your research, inspire your teaching, and deepen your understanding of different cultures and regions. We see this space as a bridge between our campus and global communities, where questions lead to discovery and ideas grow into meaningful conversations. Please feel welcome to explore, ask questions, and let us know how we can help you along the way.

GRANT

Title VI Undergraduate International Research and Foreign Languages - Western Illinois University Libraries

Learn More