The Literacy Resource Center in East Chicago Public Library

Audrey C. Robinson-Nkongola

Info 640-901

Introduction

East Chicago, Indiana’s per capita income is $13,000. The unemployment rate of East

Chicagoans over the age of 16 is 10% in 2006-2008 (Census, n.d.). In 2003, 75% of East Chicagoans

have low literacy skills (Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council, 2004). In 2008, 53.9% of East

Chicago students graduated from high school (“Facts: Schools”, n.d.). These facts are disturbing. East

Chicago is on economic and academic decline. The decline will be cyclical unless this downward spiral is

not halted. East Chicago Public Library (ECPL) is committed to assisting the community. One of the

ways, ECPL can assist the community is by providing a literacy center in its facility. The purpose of the

Literacy Resource Center is to help East Chicagoans improve reading and information literacy skills. The

goals of Literacy Resource are to 1) increase information literacy in adults and high school students; 2)

increase literacy or reading rates in school age children; and 3) increase computer literacy in adults who

have who have limited or no computer skills. ECPL plans on accomplishing these goals by providing

several programs that are cater to each of the goals. These programs are as follows: 1) provide workshops

in searching the web and other sources; 2) a summer reading program for school age children; and 3)

provide workshops on basic computer skills for adults. Before providing a rational for the spending on

these programs, background information on the Literacy Resource Center will be provided.

The Literacy Resource Center (LRC) at East Chicago Public Library grew out of need to serve

the community. The librarians, board members, trustees, school teachers, and principals, as well as

community members convened to discuss the low literacy rates in the community. They understood

literacy in the 21st century was not just about reading, but about information and computer literacy.

Therefore, they brainstormed about ways to improve all three aspects of literacy in East Chicago. The

Literacy Resource Center was developed. The LRC is a room in the library that contains books and media

items on developing reading, information, and computer skills. In addition, the LRC has ten computers

with Internet connections as well as the Microsoft Office 2007 package. Patrons can come into the LRC

for assistance during normal library operating hours, 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday,

Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The next section will provide information on the importance

of program as well as the rational for the allocation of cost for each item.

Program 1: Information Literacy for high students and adults

In order to rationalize the program for information literacy, an understanding of what information

is a definition of the term is required. The term information literacy dates back to 1974, in which

Zurkowski placed this idea in the context of a workplace to mean the ability to obtain “economic and

workplace goals, and the ability to use information to solve problems” (qtd in Lloyd and Williamson,

2008). A current definition of information literacy is a person who can identify her own needs, find the

appropriate information to meet those needs, and to evaluate the information’s accuracy and currency.

Why is it important for patrons to be taught information literacy? In the 21st century, patrons are

bombarded with information from every media outlet and device imaginable. They need to know how to

discern what is relevant and accurate. This information literacy does not just entail searching library

databases for information, although that is a part of it. East Chicagoans must be able to make informed

decisions about their elected officials, the school board members, and loan applications for a second

mortgage. The ECPL and the Literacy Resource Center are natural choices to help East Chicago residents

to become information literate citizens. The detail budget for Program 1, Information Literacy Costs is in

Appendix A.

The $95,000 in the book and subscription column is for online databases. This annual fee

is for ten databases, i.e. EbscoHost and LexisNexis at $9,500 each. Patrons will be able to access

medical, legal, business, and health information. Some databases can be access at the patron’s

home by logging into the East Chicago library’s website. Other databases can only be access

inside the library. These databases are valuable resources to patrons, because they will be able to

find reliable and accurate information. These databases and the workshops will help ECPL

patrons make informed decisions concerning their lives and their community. The information

professional for the LRC will be maintaining databases and contacting vendors if a problem

occurs with databases.

Program 2

Understandably, summer reading loss or “summer setback” is a

bigger for children from low-income families. Their reading

achievement typically declines an average of three months between

June and September, while that of typical middle-class students

improves or remains the same. This means that a summer reading

loss of three months accumulates to a crucial two-year gap by the

time kids are in the middle school, even if their schools are equally

effective. (McGill-Franzen-Allington).

Summer setback can be avoided. School children in the East Chicago can have access to books

through the library. The Summer Reading program will foster families to read with their

children and promote literacy as well as lifelong learning in families. Five percent ($5,000) of

the book will be given to families who read the most books. The rest of books ($45,000) will be

added to the collection to support the program.

Program 3

In the 21st century, technology is a part of everyday life. The array of technology or

computers affects every aspect of life, i.e. IPods, cell phones, unemployment claims, and, in

some cases, employers expect candidates to fill out an application for employment on a kiosk.

Therefore, to know how to operate a computer is essential. Unfortunately, many people who do

not have the financial means to own a computer are locked out of many opportunities. In

addition, if a person does not know how to operate a computer he/she may not be able to apply

for a job. With unemployment at 10% and the per capita income is $13,000, no one in East

Chicago can afford to be denied employment due to lack of computer skills. Therefore, ECPL, as

a public entity, can and should help patrons learn how to operate computers. The Basic

Computers Program will help adults to learn how to operate a mouse, explain what an URL

address is as well as teach basic formatting in Microsoft Office Word 2007. The computers in

the LRC are equipped with Word 2007. Therefore, the amount of $6,000 for books and

subscriptions are materials, such CDs that patrons can practice with once they have attended a

workshop. In addition, the money will fund basic computer books and DVDs. The combination

of these materials will help students to learn and recall what they have learned. See Appendix D

for complete information concerning the cost of this program.

New Services and Programs

In keeping with the goals of Literacy Resource Center, the center’s two new services

propose to offer tutoring for reading and English speakers as Second Language (ESL) classes.

These programs support the goals of literacy by helping adults and school age children with their

reading. In addition, the ESL program helps non-English speakers with learning English and

confidently communicating with others in the community in which they live. By providing these

services, ECPL will be helping its citizens to become more literate as well as become a stronger

community.

Tutoring Program

Tutoring program will be a part of the LRC. Therefore, the information professional will

be the coordinator over the program. In addition, two part-time tutors, working twenty hours a

week on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, will provide assistance in reading to patrons of the lab.

One of the part-time employees will be a child development, English, or education work-study

from three local colleges, i.e. Ivy Tech Community, Indiana University Northwest, or Purdue

Calumet to reduce salary costs. The full-time clerk will make appointments for the tutors as

provide clerical assistance, such as photocopying, providing general information about the lab,

and answering the phone calls for the lab when a tutor is not available.

Since the lab will be located in the LRC. At this time, no additional space will be

required. The tutoring lab will need books and audiovisual materials in order to facilitate and to

retain the patrons’ reading skills.

Tutoring Lab Program Budget

Subscriptions/Books $ 6,000

Supplies Copier paper, @$60 per book $ 1,800

Pencils

$ 200

Pens

$ 200

Salaries Information Professional $ 36,000

Part-time Tutor

$ 7,540

Work-Study Part-time $ 7,540

Subtotal

$ 51,740

Organizational overhead, @ 21% $ 10,865

Total

$ 62,605

ESL (English as a Second Language)

The ESL program will also be located in the LRC. Therefore, the information

professional will be the coordinator over this program. In addition, two part-time employees will

be needed to assist ESL patrons. Both of the part-time employees will be fluent in Spanish and

English. One of these, part-time employees will be a work-study student from Indiana University

Northwest or Purdue Calumet. These employees will provide one-to-one as well small group

help. The ESL will need books and videos in order to teach patrons how to communicate in

English.

ESL Program Budget

Subscriptions/Books $ 2,000

Supplies Copier paper, @$60 per book $ 1,000

Pencils

$200

Pens

$200

Salaries Information Professional $ 20,000

Part-time Tutor

$ 7,540

Work-Study Part-time $ 7,540

Subtotal

$ 30,940 Organizational overhead, @ 21% $ 6,497

Total

$ 37,437

Salary Increases

In 2008, when Literacy Resource Center first opened its doors to patrons, it only had

twenty people who used the center. In 2010, LRC services 150 people. This demand of LRC

services has increased the number of people visiting the library and the use of its materials. In

addition, the LRC has become an outreach center for patrons to find information concerning

programs and services inside and outside of the LRC and the library. The information

professional, Sandy Muyumba, has been advocate for the library and the LRC in the community.

She visits schools and community centers to inform the community about the center. Therefore,

the board of trustees believe she deserve 4% raise increase.

Carmen Gonzalez, part-time paraprofessional, has worked to ensure that patrons’ needs

are meet. She tirelessly assists patrons in the LRC. As result of the increase in patrons visiting

the LRC, Gonzalez is called upon frequently assist patrons when Sandy Muyumba is not

available. Therefore, she also deserves a 4% pay increase.

Karen Spielmann, full-time clerk, worked load has doubled. Although her work load has

doubled over the past two years, she continues to assist Muyumba and Gonzalez in her clerical

duties. In addition, Spielmann take classes in Spanish to communicate with the Hispanic/Latino

population. Therefore, she also deserves a 4% pay increase.

References

Demographics. (n.d.). City of East Chicago, Indiana. Retrieved from

http://www.eastchicago.com/departments/economic_development/demographics.html

Facts: Schools. (n.d.). City of East Chicago, Indiana. Retrieved from

http://www.eastchicago.com/resource_center/quick_facts/

McGill-Franzen, A., & Allington, R. (2003, May/June). Bridging the summer reading gap: A

break from books can mean big losses for at-risk readers, but schools can help keep pages

turning and minds sharp. Instructor, 112(8), 17.

Appendix A – 2010 Literacy Resource Center Budget

Line Item Expenses

Total

Operating

Budget

Program #1

Information

Literacy

Program #2

Summer

Reading

Program

Program #3

Basic

Computer

Class

Subscriptions and Books 156,000$ 100,000$ 50,000$ 6,000$

Supplies (including photo copies ) 9,300$ 650$ 8,000$ 650$

Phone, fax, pos tage 4,500$ 250$ 4,000$ 250$

Staff Travel 1,200$ 50$ 1,100$ 50$

Subtotal 171,000$ 100,950$ 63,100$ 6,950$

Salaries 107,400$ 28,600$ 50,200$ 28,600$

Benefits @ 38% 40,812$ 10,868$ 19,076$ 10,868$

Subtotal 319,212$ 140,418$ 132,376$ 46,418$

Organizational Overhead @ 21% 67,035$ 29,488$ 27,799$ 9,748$

Total 386,247$ 169,906$ 160,175$ 56,166$

Li teracy Resource Center

2010 Program Budget

Appendix B – Information Literacy Program

2010 Information Literacy Program

Subscriptions and Books

Databases 95,000$

Books, Pamphlets 5,000$

Supplies

Printing-Flyers/Newsletters 650$

Phone, Fax, Postage

Phone -$

Fax 200$

Postage 50$

Travel@ .25 per mile

Mileage 50$

Subtotal 100,950$

Salaries

Information Professional 19,000$

Part-time Paraprofessional 5,100$

Full-time Clerical 4,500$

Total Salaries 28,600$

Benefits@ 38% 10,868$

Total Salaries and Benefits 39,468$

Subtotal 140,418$

Organizational Overhead @ 21% 29,488$

Total 169,906$

Appendix C – Summer Reading Program Budget

2010 Summer Reading Program

Subscriptions and Books

Books 50,000$

Supplies

Construction paper 300$

Napkins 150$

Glue 200$

Plastic plates 150$

Knives, Forks, Spoons 220$

Plastic cups 200$

Copier paper @ $6.00 per ream, 10 in a box 1,500$

Pencils 100$

Child Friendly Scissors 300$

Crayons 250$

Finger Paints 300$

Promotional T-Shirts 25 @ $20 each 500$

Yarn 350$

Various Stickers (Pre-labeled) 150$

Digital Camera 500$

Batteries - Digital camera 380$

Novelty pens/pencils/toys 450$

Healthy Snacks for weekly programs 2,000$

Subtotal 8,000$

Phone, Fax, Postage

Phone -$

Fax 200$

Postage 3,800$

Subtotal 4,000$

Travel@ .25 per mile

Mileage 1,100$

Subtotal 1,100$

Salaries

Information Professional 28,600$

Part-time Paraprofessional 15,000$

Full-time Clerical 6,600$

Subtotal 50,200$

Benefits@ 38% 19,076$

Total of Salaries and Benefits 69,276$

Subtotal 132,376$

Organizational Overhead @ 21% 27,799$

Total 160,175$

Appendix D – Basic Computer Classes

2010 Basic Computer Classes Budget

Subscription/Books 6,000$

Supplies 650$

Phone Fax Postage 250$

Staff Travel,@ .25 per mile 50$

Subtotal 6,950$

Salaries

Information Professional 19,000$

Part-time Paraprofessional 5,100$

Full-time Clerical 4,500$

Subtotal 28,600$

Benefits @ 38% 10,868$

Total of Benefits/Salaries 39,468$

Subtotal 46,418$

Organizational Overhead @ 21% 8,288$

Total 94,174$