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Cultural diversity

Cultural diversity. How public libraries can serve the diversity in the community. Good practice on 4 continents ALIA September, 2004. Authors. Deborah Jacobs, Seattle, USA ( www.spl.org ) Jens Ingemann Larsen, Herning, Denmark ( www.herningbib.dk )

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Cultural diversity

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  1. Cultural diversity How public libraries can serve the diversity in the community Good practice on 4 continents ALIA September, 2004

  2. Authors • Deborah Jacobs, Seattle, USA (www.spl.org) • Jens Ingemann Larsen, Herning, Denmark (www.herningbib.dk) • Ton van Vlimmeren, Utrecht, Netherlands (www.gbu.nl) • ”Cultural Diversity: How Public Libraries Can Serve the Diversity in the Community”, 2004 (English, German, Dutch, Spanish) • http://www.internationales-netzwerk.de/en/x_media/ pdf/cultural_diversity_040217.pdf • Members of International Network of Public Libraries of the Bertelsmann Foundation

  3. PLIN • Since 2004: Public Libraries International Network: PLIN • Innovative solutions by practitioners for practitioners, pooling international know-how and developing model concepts. • Key audience: Library directors and decision makers in the field • Project information and research papers are available for free download from www.public-libraries.net

  4. I´m from the Netherlands • Kingdom: Queen Beatrix • Size: 41.000 km2 • Inhabitants: 16.200.000 • 12% non-Dutch origin • Income per capita: € 24.000 • Utrecht: heart of the country

  5. Utrecht

  6. Utrecht Characteristics • Historical city: > 2000 years • Growing size & number: 275.000>350.000 • 25% non- Dutch origin ( > 33%) • Engine of the economy: 3rd in Europe • Center of knowledge • Facing big-city challenges

  7. Before we get started ... • What has this to do with me? • Nothing about them without them...

  8. Why is this an important issue? • Immigration and cultural diversity is everywhere • Any public library should by definition try to meet the needs of its patrons – including minority groups • Local societies will gain if all parts of the community have access to knowledge and information - and if they take part in local democracy

  9. Iraqi best surgeon-trainee • “He taught himself Dutch-language in the public library… Utrechts Nieuwsblad, april 4 2002

  10. Library benefits • In Toronto the use of the library by nonnative Canadians “more than doubles the use by those born in Canada”. Library Journal, june 1, 2003

  11. Roles for libraries Libraries enable: • enjoy their own culture: collections • keep in touch with the homeland • learn mother-tongue of parents • learning new countries language (2nd language) • find the way in (new) society: community information • informing all groups about other groups cultures • provide a stage for cultural activities

  12. Organisation and management: who takes the initial initiative from outside / inside the organisation a devoted staff member/ the library director project organisation / ordinary routines decision / ”coincidence” Staffing: composition should reflect diversity of customers an ideal, but language problems etc. pay based on personal qualifications (i.e.: language capability) rather than formal education, training, volunteers? cultural ”understanding” Main factors (1)

  13. Main factors (2) Financing • project money / ordinary funding, • temporary / permanent staff, • funding models (mixture of local / federal / state money) Collectioning • materials selection, acquisition, cataloging, weeding of collection • language capabilities and availability

  14. Main factors (3) Services and programming • programs for ethnic minorities - or about them? • co-operation with other public and private institutions Promoting the library, outreach to users • translation of information • online, integrated in activities, information through existing information channels in the community

  15. Main factors (4) Networks and consortial arrangements • joint financing of core institutions, interlibrary loans, cross-training, joint cataloguing • standards are a ”must” Facility design • signage, art, design in welcoming colours • or a ”neutral” design to suit all kinds of users?

  16. Public libraries – integrated in local society • Public libraries are no islands • Local and national view on immigrants / ethnic minorities will be reflected when public libraries decide what to do in this field • Immigrants - a ”burden” for taxpayers or a possible source to more growth and increased welfare in society? • Assimilation or cultural diversity?

  17. Can public libraries make a difference?? • Public libraries are open institutions – meant to be used by all citizens - meeting places for all • If the library uses its potential, and offers activities and programs that help to integrate and educate various ethnic groups in local society, it may well be seen as a more vital institution and part of local society than ever before! • So what to do?

  18. Some conclusions • Take leadership • Seek political approval • Support dedicated staff • Focus on local information needs • Seek collaboration with user groups • Institutionalize services and projects • Learn from others; identify partners

  19. Some good practices(english websites) • Brisbane (Australia) http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au • Brooklyn (USA) www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org • Queens (USA) www.queenslibrary.org • Toronto (Canada) http://www.tpl.toronto.on.ca/ • Stockholm (Sweden)http://www.ssb.stockholm.se/

  20. Guidelines ALA: http://www.ala.org/ala/rusa/rusaourassoc/rusasections/mouss/moussection/mousscomm/spanishspeaking/guidelinesmultilingual.htm IFLA: http://www.ifla.org/VII/s32/pub/guide-e.htm

  21. For every complex problem there is bright solution that is simple, elegant and wrong Thank you

  22. If immigration is to be a success, institutions like libraries have to make it work.”Jane Pyper, Toronto Public Library

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