The Ruth Stephan Poetry Collection was founded in 1965 to promote the reading of poetry for enjoyment and edification. The UT Libraries Poetry Center, which includes the Ruth Stephan Collection, seeks to gather representative works of renowned contemporary poets of the U.S. and international poets in conversation with the U.S. The collection’s unique identity arises from its focus on the work of local poets and of independent publishers, including rare chapbooks and small-run publications.
Titles are added to the collection based on the following criteria:
- Reputation and identity of author and publisher: publication history, awards, peer recognition, representation of local communities
- Works by poets of historically marginalized identities including works by African American, Asian American, feminist, Indigenous, Latinx and Chicanx, and LGBTQ poets
- Value to the New Writers Project, the Michener Center for Writers, and the English Department
- Relevance to university and Austin communities
- Works in English, including in translation
- Works by living poets
- Works of contemporary U.S. poetry or which influence contemporary U.S. poetry
- Support of small independent publishers with a focus on Texas publishers
Books from the UT Poetry Center are not available for check out. Ruth Stephan's original intention for the center was to create a place where anyone could come in, browse the shelves, and find inspiration. To honor her legacy and intention, we keep the collection as non-circulating and permanently available at the PCL.
