Addressing the Unmentionable at the Circulation Desk: An Unlikely Library Partnership for an Often-overlooked Cause: Period Equity

Abstract

The role of libraries at universities has grown over the years in surprising ways to improve service to the academic and student community. One such surprising change came from a project aimed at decreasing period poverty. The Period Equity Movement (PEM) was created in collaboration with the university's Office of Student Wellness and Health Promotion through funding that came from a $48,000 Sustainability Fee grant and other internal funding. The grant specifically focused on purchasing reusable products such as menstrual cups and fabric pads and organic disposable tampons and pads. The Access Services Department became an impactful partner in this movement. This lightning talk will share how Access Services distributed reusable period products and how we provide organic disposable tampons and pads to students.