In 2021, using the Myron Freeman, August Merz, and Muskiewicz Family library endowments, the UMass Lowell Libraries were able to purchase DRM*-free eBooks in diversity, inclusion, and social justice. This acquisition allows for an unlimited number of patrons to use each book at any time, making them an excellent solution to meet the needs of no/low textbook cost initiatives, while also addressing the very immediate need of diverse subject matter. College campuses are centers of education, knowledge and research and must exhibit the values of diversity, inclusion and social justice in all aspects of campus life. It is especially vital that academic libraries are able to offer diverse and inclusive content to students and researchers that support and reinforces these values while reflecting the diversity of students and library users. Published between 2015 and 2020, this collection covers a variety of cultural explorations, indigenous people, black studies, feminist topics, race and anti-racism, gender topics, and much more and includes subjects from civil rights, STEM, sports, music and art, history, law, education, and social justice, and beyond. This assemblage should prove a valuable addition to the UMass Lowell library offerings and hope our students and faculty find it very valuable. This collection are online versions of print books with a perpetual license. The library is very grateful to our endowment donors for the opportunity to provide access to more knowledge for our wonderful students and faculty. These eBooks will be available to the library in perpetuity.
*Digital Rights Management
