Defining the Issue: Rural Libraries & Services to Spanish Speakers

If you don't believe in the value of a rural library please check out the "Rural Library Project." The site mentions how small and rural libraries positively impact communities across the country. To quote directly from their site, a public library can "...stabilize the population, strengthen community, improve literacy, provide internet access...", and serve as an institution devoted to "lifelong learning." For more information, please be sure to visit the following website, http://rurallibraryproject.org/.

As rural public librarians what types of resources can we utilize to engage our Spanish speakers? Do they know what types of resources and materials our library provides? What are some service models that other rural public libraries are employing to remove barriers from providing service? How can we insure that we are culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of our Spanish speaking patrons? What are some ways that we can develop outreach programs? How do we attract non-users to the library and create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere? What if we do not currently own any Spanish language materials?  What can we do on a limited budget to better accommodate our Spanish speaking users? It is imperative to assist rural librarians in their role in providing improved access to library services for Hispanics. More importantly, what actions support an increase in public library usage by Latinos in rural communities? What are the perspectives of the Latino non-user in regards to the public library? What are some guidelines in developing and providing effective programs and services?


As Flores and Pachon explain, "libraries hold considerable potential to play an important role in enriching the lives of immigrants and assisting their integration into communities" (2008, p.1). Rural public libraries are at a crossroads in being able to recognize, address, reach out, and accommodate diverse populations. Being culturally sensitive, fostering and establishing partnerships with an extended community network, actively engaging with members of the population, proactively promoting services to Latino communities, and creating a plan of action for having all staff members actively involved with implementing programs and instituting user-friendly policies may truly allow rural librarians to be better equipped to meet the needs of the underserved. Plans, programs, and resources will evolve and grow over time as needs change.


Some barriers to service include:
-Language
-Culture
-Library policies
-Branch hours of operation
-Library environment


Learn
It is important to understand your local Spanish speaking community. Research the community and understand what nationalities are present in your rural area. Look at local, state, and federal demographics to get a better grasp of immigration trends.


Comprehend
The term "Hispanic" designates Spanish speakers and is a general term not used to define race. As Allen explains...

"An ethnically literate agency serving Hispanics will not consider the Hispanic population as one ethnic group but will recognize that although they may be unified by a common linguistic bond, there are various ethnic groups, each with its own distinctive culture and roots. The term Hispanic is currently used to  describe a diverse population including Mexicans, Mexican-Americans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans, and Central and South Americans." 

Create
Language may be one of the main barriers to providing effective services to Latino library users. If you do not have any bilingual staff or volunteers, at the very minimum, the presence of friendly and inviting non-Spanish speaking staff members may go a long way in facilitating a welcoming and responsive atmosphere. In many Latino cultures, the library is viewed as a government organization. The idea of borrowing books and attending free programs may really be vastly different from what individuals are used to in their home country.


Reach out
Go out into the community. Visit local stores, social groups, churches, restaurants. Get to know those powerful players in the Latino community that can assist in promoting library services and establishing a core network. Market by word of mouth and personally invite families to come visit the library. Explain what the library offers for all family members. Promote internet access, parenting resources, literacy, community building, fellowship with other families, advocacy, and access to educational and recreational materials.


Programs
Create kid-oriented programs that all members of a family can attend. Host a bilingual story time and recruit local mothers to read stories, taking turns in reading the books in Spanish and English to engage all those in attendance.


Evaluate
Be sure to evaluate your programs and services on a regular basis. Examine what the outcomes were for each program like changes in program attendance, library card registrations, and attitudes towards the library. Realize that it takes more than one bilingual story time to insure a continuous commitment to providing expanded services to Spanish speakers.


Education
Attend free online webinars so that you and your staff may learn fresh approaches to serving this previously underserved community. Check out some of the online resources available from other libraries. Network with other librarians that have experience working with Spanish speaking populations. Ongoing staff training is essential.


For more information please see some of the following articles listed below.


References
-Allen, A.A. (1988, Summer). Library services for Hispanic young adults. Library Trends, 37(1), 80-105.


-Alire, C., & Ayala, J. (2007). Serving Latino Communities: A How-to-Do it Manual for Librarians. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc.


-Bala, B., & Adkins, D. (2004, March/April). Library and information needs of Latinos in Dunklin County, Missouri. Public Libraries, 43(2), 119-122.


-Cramer, E. (2008, Fall/Winter). Servicios para la comunidad: Sharing the experiences of three Hispanic services librarians in North Carolina. North Carolina Libraries, 66(3/4), 53-57.


-Driver, C., & Wall, C. (2007, September/October). Spanish-speaking patrons in Kentucky's public libraries: Results of an exploratory study on services, staffing, and programs. Public Libraries, 46(5), 56-63.


-Ford, C.E., & Stephens, A. (2007). Alabama public library services to the Hispanic community. Alabama Librarian, 57(1), 6-19.


-Margolis, R. (2001, January). The best little library in Texas. School Library Journal, 47(1), 54-58.


-Marquis, S.K. (2003, March/April). Collections and services for the Spanish-speaking: Issues and resources. Public Libraries, 42(2), 106-112.


-Naylor, S., & Frey, S.M. (2006). Where cultural and information literacy meet: Serving Spanish-speaking library users in Indiana. Indiana Libraries, 25(4), 2-7.


-Snyder, T.A. (2004). Rural library services to minority populations: Case studies in the United States. Rural Libraries, 24(1), 51-63.

History of Rural Public Library Services

"Rural libraries are the heart of our communities..." so Susan Hildreth reported in an article from Library Journal. Public libraries, service-oriented organizations, have always existed to meet the needs of the people and have endeavored to represent viewpoints from divergent cross sections of society. What happens when the newest residents in small town America remain underserved by the community's library? It is imperative to understand that "Hispanic settlement patterns warrant attention by policymakers because they affect the well-being of both Hispanics and rural communities themselves" (Kandel & Cromartie, 2004, p. ii). 

Over the past several years, findings from the 2000 Census have established that there has been a tremendous growth in the United States' Latino population. It has been purported that Hispanics are the largest minority group in America with approximately 38 million people and are the fastest growing population, with an almost 60% increase nationwide since the early 1990s.

A recent report on immigration patterns in rural America ascertained that more than 65% of new arrivals are Latino (Jensen, 2006). Hispanics have always been a marginalized segment of the U.S. population and sheer outrage over support for Spanish language type programming and service initiatives in rural public libraries has been growing as native residents criticize librarians' efforts (Dezarn, 2008). 

Even during the 1970s, articles detailing the needs for expanding outreach efforts to Hispanic Americans have been addressed. Numerous studies have examined the multifaceted challenges that rural populations experience such as high unemployment, underemployment, lack of public transportation and access to crucial medical and social services, persistent cycles of poverty, low literacy rates, longer commutes to work, less access to broadband Internet connections, increasing housing costs, higher taxes and the influx of exurbanites into traditionally rural areas. All of these factors impact the informational needs of those residing in rural areas. As such, the rural public librarian must be able to identify and assess the needs of both library users and non-users. 

The programs, services, and collections must be all encompassing so that the informational, educational, and recreational needs of the community's residents  are represented by the library's resources. Recognizing and addressing shortcomings may "...enable the rural public library to become a more efficient disseminator of information and to enhance its role in the development of rural America" (Vavrek, 1990, p. 5). 

Many researchers agree that rural librarians stand at the forefront of providing services to Latinos and assisting with their integration into the community. Unfortunately, as Erazo and Guerena surmise, "...the scarcity of professional literature on the early history of library services to the Spanish speaking prompts the assumption that, with few exceptions, library services to U.S. Latino populations are a relatively new development" (2000, p. 139). One underlying theme is that rural public librarians must be equipped to prevent barriers in providing access to library resources. Recognizing and transforming underlying gaps in services to these populations and their under usage of the library needs to be addressed. The focus of this blog is to help identify resources and strategies that can be implemented to assist those that have frequently been underserved. 

Libraries impact lives! Librarians can and do make a difference, especially in reaching out to underserved populations. What can we do more effectively to increase the usage of library services to our Spanish speakers? What types of programs are viable in a rural library? Reaching out to all of the residents in our communities is important, even more so in rural areas where people may feel even more isolated.

Many of the articles listed below can provide somewhat of a brief historical context of rural public library services to Latinos, as well as provide information about previous case studies scattered throughout the United States. 

References:
-Alire, C., & Ayala, J. (2007). Serving Latino communities: A how-to-do it manual for librarians. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc. 
-Dezarn, L. (2008). The challenge of Latino immigration for the rural library. Bookmobile and Outreach Services, 11(1), 25-45. 
-Guerena, S., & Erazo, E. (2000, Summer). Latinos and librarianship. Library Trends, 49(1), 138-181. 
-Hildreth, S. (2007). Rural libraries: the heart of our communities. Rural Libraries, 46, 7-11. 
-Jensen, L. (2006). New immigrant settlements in rural America. 
-Kandel, W., & Cromartie, J. (2004). New patterns of Hispanic settlement in rural America. 
-Vavrek, B. (1990). Assessing the Information Needs of Rural Americans 1990. Clarion University of Pennsylvania: Center for the Study of Rural Librarianship. 

Professional Materials: Books to Check Out

¡Hola amigos!

Since we are in the business of books, I wanted to share some titles that are worth checking out. Some of these I have skimmed through and others I have serendipitously come across and adapted ideas from. Many of these books are worth trying to request through Interlibrary Loan if you have access to this valuable service. You can try searching WorldCat to find libraries that own copies of these titles. 

Here is a simple bibliography that I have created to share with all of my library friends. I believe that this list encompasses a range of titles to assist the novice rural library paraprofessional that has assumed the task of expanding services to Latinos, to the more experienced outreach coordinator that can always learn new ideas by exploring more on the subject. 

References: 

Alire, C., & Ayala, J. (2007). Serving Latino communities: A how-to-do it manual for librarians.  New York, NY: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc. 

Avila, S. (2008). Crash course in serving Spanish-speakers. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.

Byrd, S. M. (2005). Bienvenidos: A handy resource guide for marketing your library to Latinos. Chicago, IL: American Library Association.

Cuban, S. (2007). Serving new immigrant communities in the library. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited. 

Güereña, S., ed. (2000). Library services to Latinos: An anthology. Jefferson, NC: McFarland.

Moller, S. C. (2001). Library service to Spanish speaking patrons: A practical guide. Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited. 

Creating a Welcoming Environment: Small Tips for Bigger Payoffs

When I first started exploring ways to attract our newest neighborhood residents to our library, I knew that I would need to create some Spanish language signs and informational bookmarks that would, at the minimum, direct Spanish speaking customers to our various collections, including our bilingual and Spanish language collections. Part of the essence of creating a friendly, warm, and welcoming environment is providing bright, clear, and vibrant signage that hopefully sets the tone for a library that serves all.

Thankfully, what I discovered at that time was an invaluable aid. Within a few keystrokes my much underused vocabulary of basic Spanish language terms came back to me, this time with help from the creators of "SOL." I would like to share this link to a helpful and informative website, "Spanish in our Libraries" which can be found at http://www.sol-plus.net/. Check out their links to current Spanish programming events being held nationwide by public libraries, as well as guides to creating press releases, library signs, and even the Dewey Decimal System in Spanish. There is even an Internet directory page devoted strictly to identifying and listing resources on the Internet for Spanish speaking computer users.

Enjoy exploring the many links on the SOL site!

Collection Development: Taking a Look at What's on the Bookshelf

An announcement about the "We the People Bookshelf" Grant, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities, is the inspiration behind this post. With a calling for applications, which BTW, can be submitted online from now until January 29, 2010, it was interesting to learn about the books that will be awarded as part of the "We the People Bookshelf" collection. Since their theme this year is "A More Perfect Union," about seventeen books have been selected for readers covering grades kindergarten through 12th grade. More importantly, several of those books will be in Spanish. Which leads me to my question...just how many rural libraries across the nation actually have Spanish language materials available?

Like the old adage, "if you build it, they will come," obviously having some of the resources available for our Spanish speaking patrons is just the beginning towards creating, building, and maintaining a welcoming library that understands and recognizes the needs of this group. At the public library in which I work, we have been fortunate enough to have Spanish language books, videos, music CDs, and magazines, for young readers, teens, and adults. The books range from bilingual story books, easy readers, and Dr. Seuss to biographies, the works of Isabel Allende, cookbooks, parenting manuals, ESL texts and kits, to translations of Danielle Steel, Tim LaHaye, and Stephen King.

REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking, has some wonderful resources available for those working in developing multicultural  Spanish, ESL, English, and bilingual library collections. A part of providing books for this group is recognizing and understanding their needs. Having a collection that represents and is sensitive to the needs of our various users can only serve to create supportive and loyal customers. Keep our users coming back!

Please be sure to examine the "documents" section found in the "Collection Development" unit of WebJunction's Spanish Language Outreach Program. Explore their site here! 

Collection Development Resources: 
Marquis, S.K. (May/June 2003). Collections and services for the Spanish-speaking: Accessibility. Public Libraries, 42(3), 172-177.

Marquis, S.K. (2003, March/April). Collections and services for the Spanish-speaking: Issues and resources. Public Libraries, 42(2), 106-112. 

Reforma. (2007, Winter). Guidelines for library services to Spanish-speaking library users. Reference  &  User Services Quarterly, 47(2), 194-197.

In the News: Rural Oregon Libraries Receive Spanish Language Children's Books

Good news for twenty rural libraries throughout Oregon state...thanks in part to the "Amo Leer" Grant from the Oregon Library Association, the libraries each received approximately 700 Spanish Language children's books. The materials received included children's classics in Spanish language and bilingual story books. An article featured in the November 25th edition of The Statesman Journal highlighted Stayton Public Library's new collection. Check out the link below to see the news item:

http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20091125/COMMUNITIES/911250366/Library-gets-Spanish-language-children%5C-s-books

What better way to reach out to a generally underserved population than by hosting a celebration and conducting programs based on the new collection!  What are some of your ideas? Have you or a colleague implemented a Spanish language story hour? How about a bilingual story time?

What's on the Web: Spanish Language Resources for Librarians

While perusing the South Carolina State Library web site, I came across a fantastic listing of Spanish language resources for librarians. Did you know that a state library is a valuable resource for locating additional Spanish language library-related information? The State Library of South Carolina provides over a dozen links featuring translation tips, sample flyers and library signage, lesson plans, and even a link  for Spanish language computer training resources. Be sure to check out their link to the Dewey Decimal System in Spanish!

See: http://www.statelibrary.sc.gov/spanish-resources