My research focus is on academic libraries as spaces that connect students to each other, to librarians, and to resources; and specifically, spaces which offer connections for students who may not have the social and cultural capital to utilize these sites for learning. My research explores cultural competence in practice in academic libraries,focusing on teaching and learning processes involving international students and domestic students of color. I am defining teaching and learning very broadly and investigating various ways that cultural competency is enacted and understood within academic libraries. I am also exploring potential application of asset-based educational approaches to academic libraries; that is, looking for ways that learners’ assets can be developed and incorporated into teaching and learning contexts, rather than viewing students as having deficits which need to be addressed in order to be successful learners. Building on previous work in the field, My research will investigate how cultural competence is understood and expressed in day-to-day interactions in academic libraries, through instructional design, reference desk interactions, and so on; as well as through policy documents and formal and informal training. My research will result in suggestions for LIS training and professional development for how best to meet learning needs of international and targeting minority students within a cultural competence building framework. Work in this area has the potential to transform students’ experience of academic libraries; further, this work provides suggestions for ways LIS programs might think about transforming their curriculum and professional development offerings.