Breaking Barriers: How Libraries Can Better Support Female Architecture Students for Professional Success

Abstract

This study investigates the role academic libraries can play in narrowing the retention gap between the number of women graduating with a degree in architecture and the number of women currently in the architecture profession. Recommendations to libraries are made based on the existing literature and survey data. The findings of this study aim to propose solutions in the form of services and resources that libraries may provide to best support female architecture students. The findings shed light on four areas: 1. The importance of increasing students’ access to role models and mentors; 2. The need to bring more awareness to available academic tools; 3. The urge to diversify the material taught in the curriculum; 4. The value of sponsoring and hosting diversity-related events and programs. The proposed efforts will further empower women in architecture schools and can also benefit the broader community of minority groups by serving as a resource of recommendations for supporting the underrepresented communities in a profession.