Resources on Contemporary Issues in Society

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Resources on Contemporary Issues

A curated selection of books and multimedia, exhibits, and research guides

Whether your focus is research-related or expanding your understanding of the cultures, experiences, and events shaping our UC Davis community and the world, the library offers a variety of resources, including curated reading lists, guides to library resources by subject, and online exhibits.

Resources for Understanding

Explore curated lists of what to read and watch to deepen your understanding of contemporary issues in our society.

Immunization

Articles and Books

Juneteenth: Historical and Contemporary Resources

Books, Articles and Essays

Addressing Violence Against LGBTQIA+ People

Books and Films

More Resources for Understanding

Research Guides

Access key reference materials, historical and primary sources, books and journal articles, databases and statistics.

Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies
Disability Studies
Cultural Studies and American Studies
African and African American Studies
Asian American Studies
Chicana/o Studies
East Asian Studies, Languages and Cultures
Latin American Studies
Middle Eastern/South Asian Studies
Native American Studies

Recent Exhibits

Making Our Mark: Queer Visual Art and Culture in the Modern Era

Over two dozen works from the library’s Archives and Special Collections illustrate how queer communities across the United States are using visual art and poetry to make their mark on history. On display at Shields Library through Sept. 19, 2025.

By Any Means Necessary: Marginalized Students Give Voice in the Third World Forum

Newspaper clippings and photography from a student-run newspaper at UC Davis provided a platform for people of color, and informed and educated students about racism and social justice. Online exhibit.

Student Life in Color

Photographs from the University Archives capture UC Davis student traditions, activities and academics from the late 20th century to the present era. Online exhibit.

See All Exhibits

Multimedia

three people sitting in front of bookcases, with books in their hands and on small tables in front of them

Heritage Month Book Recommendations (video playlist)
Learn about the cultures and communities that comprise UC Davis, including their vital contributions to American history, culture and society.