Exploring Gender Studies Resources in Kazakhstani Academic Libraries: Collection Development in a Post-Soviet State

Abstract

This study examines the availability of gender studies resources in academic libraries across Kazakhstan, addressing a gap in the literature on gender education within the country’s higher education institutions. The research aims to assess the presence, scope, and relevance of gender-related materials in university library collections, with a particular focus on collection development in a Post-Soviet state. A comprehensive, multi-method approach is employed, including an analysis of university websites to identify gender studies programs, a review of online public access catalogs (OPACs) to evaluate resource availability, and an assessment of the depth and suitability of these materials for gender education. The study focuses on five Kazakhstani universities known for supporting gender-related studies. The findings provide critical insights into the current state of gender education resources, offering a foundation for further discussions on academic library collection development in the region.