For immediate release | November 18, 2022

Libraries supporting refugees and new arrivals

CHICAGO — Published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, “Libraries and Sanctuary: Supporting Refugees and New Arrivals” is a practical guide to how libraries and their staff can support people who have crossed borders into a different country. Drawing on author John Vincent's decades of work in libraries and social exclusion, the book examines the different drivers behind an individual's move to another country, their need for signposting in libraries, and other barriers faced by new arrivals and people seeking sanctuary of which library workers should be aware. Readers will:

  • discover the background reasons for migration, the global political context of migration, and the likely impacts of both factors;
  • gain an understanding of just how much work libraries have done so far;
  • learn from practical initiatives, detailed through "what works" examples and longer case studies;
  • identify gaps in library provision; and
  • find inspiration to start similar initiatives in their own institutions.

Vincent has worked in the public sector since the 1960s, primarily for Hertfordshire, Lambeth, and Enfield public library services in the UK. In 1997, he was invited to become part of the team that produced the UK's first review of public libraries and social exclusion (from which CILIP’s LGBTQ+ Network, which he now coordinates, originated). He runs courses and lectures, writes, produces regular newsletters and ebulletins, and lobbies for greater awareness of the role that libraries, archives, museums, and the cultural and heritage sector play in contributing to social justice. He is particularly interested in supporting the work that libraries do with young people in care, with LGBTQ+ people, and with people seeking sanctuary and other "new arrivals" to the UK.

Facet Publishing, the commercial publishing and bookselling arm of CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, is the leading publisher of books for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman publishes resources used by library and information professionals, scholars, students, and educators to improve programs and services, build on best practices, enhance pedagogy, share research, develop leadership, and promote advocacy. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a variety of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman at editionsmarketing@ala.org.

Related Links

Libraries and Sanctuary: Supporting Refugees and New Arrivals

"Bibliotherapy"

"Digital Literacy, Inclusivity and Sustainable Development in Africa"

Contact:

Rob Christopher

Marketing Coordinator

American Library Association

ALA Publishing & Media

rchristopher@ala.org

312-280-5052