Hispanics and Lifelong learning: Hispanics and Lifelong learning: Libraries at Crossroads?Libraries at Crossroads?

ByByInnocent Awasom and Innocent Awasom and

Minerva AlanizMinerva Alaniz

Texas Tech University LibrariesTexas Tech University Libraries

April 28April 28thth 2007 2007

OutlineOutline

• Background to the Pilot study• Lubbock Library System …plus• Libraries and user Population• Nature of Collection, Programs and

Activities• Community Outreach• Lifelong learning and impact• High Points / Observations

Background to the studyBackground to the study

• Libraries have traditionally been and remain the place where people of all ages seek and find information, develop the love of reading, advance the pursuit of knowledge while enhancing their quality of life.

• People’s University

Article 1 - ALA Bill of rightsArticle 1 - ALA Bill of rights

• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves and a person’s right to use the library should not be denied because of origin, age, background or views.

Militant Librarian?Militant Librarian?

• NO! ALA advocating users right to read freely without government interference or surveillance.

• The immigration saga with people rounded up in cities across the country. Any impact on library usage in our immediate community?

• Libraries contribution to lifelong learning!• Pilot study sheds light and more next Hispanic

conference when hopefully the immigration debate would be over!

Lubbock Library System .. PlusLubbock Library System .. Plus

• http://library.ci.lubbock.tx.us/

• Plus a host of academic libraries which the entire community unfortunately treat with fear combined with respect (awe) oblivious of the fact that it is open to the public as well!

Nature of Collection, Programs and Nature of Collection, Programs and ActivitiesActivities

• Both print and electronic with one of the best graphic novel collection in the country!

• Unfortunately no distinct Spanish collection and few titles shelved with other titles

• Home School collection• Literacy Department ( ESL, GED) TTU Ad. Education

alliance• Computer Technology courses – internet safety,

productivity software, online predator education • Meeting room availability, Day care for moms attending

programs within (ESL, GED)• Free Tax preparation, Home buying seminars, Credit

management, Health fairs and seminars

Community OutreachCommunity Outreach

• Where Cultural and Information Literacy meet.• Black History Month - One nation we stand• Hispanic Book week – Cinco de Mayo 5th May,

Salsa lesson, Ballet Folklorico• Children's programs seasonal (Easter and

Xmas), Story hour (Bilingual?)• Share a book with a child – story hour for

parents (moms) and children• Monthly Book Discussion Club• Genealogical Society with friends of the library• Daycare, Nursing homes,

High points / ObservationsHigh points / Observations

• Lifelong learning and impact across the age spectrum

• Multimedia instruction and use. Major attraction for teens

• Cultivation of the love of reading and quest for knowledge

• Poor usage not a result of immigration phobia but lack of awareness of available resources.

Because of seeming disconnect between Because of seeming disconnect between community needs and services providedcommunity needs and services provided

• Need for more community outreach to get their input so as to use limited resources to get needed materials not stocked unused material on the shelves.

• Need for bilingual librarians with mastery of Spanish, English and cross cultural competency

• More funding to purchase culturally relevant materials• More synergy between library administration and

community leaders for better environmental scanning, needs assessment.

• With improved services and information literate citizens we get a better nation and a more promising tomorrow!

Thank you! Gracias! A Thank you! Gracias! A Sante SanaSante Sana

Questions?Questions?