Monoculturalism in academic spaces is “the expectation that all individuals conform to one ‘scholarly’ worldview, which stems from the belief in the superiority and normalcy of White culture” (Gusa pp. 474–475). This concept is reflected in library collections that center materials that conform to a white scholarly worldview, and exclude materials that do not conform.
Monoculturalism manifests itself in all aspects of culture. It “creates a strong belief in the superiority of one group’s cultural heritage, history, values, language, beliefs, religion, traditions, and arts and crafts.” (Sue, 2004, pp. 764) This concept is reflected in library collections that center materials that conform to a white scholarly worldview, and exclude materials that do not conform, whether consciously or unconsciously.
Monocultural values are also embedded in the environment and setting, including through the natural environment, architecture (including honorific building names), art and decoration (including statues), as well as the racial and ethnic makeup of the student, faculty, and staff population. Overwhelmingly white library collections help create such a monocultural environment.