About Global Studies

Teaching, study, and research related to international and area studies at Penn State University crosses the boundaries of colleges, departments, and subject areas, as well as the Penn State University Libraries' subject libraries. Recognizing this, The Libraries' Global Studies Group was formed in the fall of 1999 to support the interdisciplinary nature of global studies and to strengthen the ties among the subject libraries.

The group is charged with:

• Coordinating collection development in subjects related to international and area studies at the Pennsylvania State University
• Promoting cooperation among the subject libraries for the provision of reference and instructional services to faculty and students engaged in global studies research
• Increasing awareness of the Libraries' global studies resources

The Global Studies Group consists of subject specialists in a wide range of subject disciplines including anthropology, business, economics, education, geography, history, international relations, life sciences, music, and women's studies. It also includes collection specialists in area studies such as African Studies, African American Studies, Asian Studies, Latin American Studies, and Middle Eastern Studies.

The group's current projects include:

• Reviewing the Libraries' current international purchasing plans
• Strengthening the Libraries' electronic resources related to Global Studies
• Developing a Global Studies web site to assist users in locating materials and individuals who can assist with their research needs