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Working Knowledge
A Monthly Column about Life on the Job
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By Elisa F. Topper
American Libraries Columnist
Elisa F. Topper is director of the Dundee Township (Ill.) Public Library District and a career consultant. Contact her at working@ala.org.
Column for February 2005
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¿Como Puedo Servirle?
I am a new reference librarian in a public library serving a growing Hispanic population. I don't speak Spanish but am willing to do whatever I need to provide the best service possible. We are also desperate to find suitable Spanish-language materials. Where should I begin?
Lost in Translation
Your question is very timely, as I have just returned from the experience of a lifetime at the 18th Guadalajara Book Fair in Mexico. As director of a library that also serves a growing Hispanic population, I went to the fair eager to identify resources for our patrons and find children's hardcover Spanish-language books. And in just one trip across the border, I was able to connect with international publishers as well as network with-and learn from-other librarians with similar responsibilities.
Steven Roehling, information service manager at the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County (N.Mex.) Library, has traveled to the fair for eight consecutive years. “Without attending this event, I would feel like I was ordering materials pretty much in virtual reality, without much firsthand knowledge or notions of what is out there in Spanish-language publishing,“ he said.
The Guadalajara Book Fair draws a wide spectrum of librarians at various stages of their careers. Keep in mind that there are support opportunities available to those who apply early: The ALA-FIL Free Pass Program, for example, provides travel and registration assistance for librarians who work in the area of Spanish-language acquisitions and/or are working to build their collections (AL, May 2004, p. 11).
Of course, you can begin improving your collections and services without ever leaving the country. Taking a Spanish course is helpful, even if it's just listening to recordings during your work commute. Also consider getting involved in ALA-affiliate Reforma, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking, which has many local chapters throughout the United States.
Everyone is welcome
“Many people assume that you have to be Latino, Spanish-speaking, or a librarian to become a Reforma member when, in fact, our membership is open to anyone serving Latinos and the Spanish-speaking,” urges Reforma President-Elect Ana-Elba Pavon. “Our meetings are held in English. Many libraries rely on non-librarians to provide Spanish services. Many non-Latinos and people with limited Spanish-language skills are committed to serving the communities Reforma serves. There are several dues categories on our membership form, so everyone is welcome to join us!”
Even closer to home, you can find support through state systems or consortiums that your library is associated with, and be sure to check online resources such as Spanish in Our Libraries, which offers a discussion list and links to Spanish-language versions of sample library policies, flyers, and instruction, as well as a “survival Spanish” guidebook for library workers.
Remember that the role of a librarian in serving a diverse population is that of student as well as educator. You'll need to get to know the community by getting involved with other groups that provide services to your patrons. Gail Firestone, assistant director for youth services at the Athens (Ga.) Regional Library System, points out that partnering with other community organizations “can give you information on the needs of the group, what materials/services they would respond to and enjoy. They can also help you to get over the trust hump that is sometimes an obstacle to providing library service.”
Finally, mark your calendar for the Joint Conference of Librarians of Color, to be held in Dallas October 11-15, 2006. ALA's caucuses of color—Reforma, the Black Caucus of the ALA, the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association, and the American Indian Library Association—will all join together in this first-ever event, which promises to be an excellent opportunity for those serving diverse library users.
(c) Copyright 2005 American Library Association
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