We are currently in
the Latino literature section of my Multicultural Resources for Youth class,
and one discussion topic that was generated made me think of something that
could correlate with this class: the reluctance of those from certain
backgrounds to use the libraries. More specifically, a question was posed by
our instructor about how immigration laws may affect an undocumented person
using the library or other information resources/institutions. The discussion
churned out one very important open-ended question: how can we, as information
professionals, use outreach to these communities as a means to foster interest?
As information professionals in the library system, it is a huge
part of our job to serve the demographics of the communities that surround us.
In the context of people who are reluctant to use libraries (either due to bad
associations with institution-like entities or fear of negative consequences),
there are two ways that I feel could help put them at some semblance of ease:
1) make sure they can see themselves in the staff and the collection, and 2)
bring the library resources to them (via book mobiles, "in the field"
programming, etc.). Ultimately, I feel that establishing a rapport with our
patrons is vital to meeting goals of community engagement and providing a
comfortable user experience. If we can create a more welcoming space, perhaps
we can more easily demystify libraries for those who may have a hard time
trusting organizational entities.
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