Enhancing ESL Library Services: A Study on Improving Attendance and Community Engagement
This study, conducted by Callie Foust on May 1, 2012, examines how a large library system in Washington can better serve its ESL community to increase attendance in programs. With a focus on 45,000 ESL patrons, including around 9,062 immigrants from diverse backgrounds, the research employs multistage sampling and surveys to gather valuable feedback directly from users. The findings aim to identify strengths and weaknesses in current services, inform advertising efforts, and ultimately enhance support for ESL families in the library setting.
Enhancing ESL Library Services: A Study on Improving Attendance and Community Engagement
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Presentation Transcript
ESL Program Study • Callie Foust • May 1, 2012 • Libr 285
Why? • Research Question: • How can the library improve services and programs for ESL families in order to increase attendance in the ESL programs? • Purpose: • The purpose of this study is to collect data about how to better serve the ESL community near a large library system in Washington.
Who? • Setting: • Large suburban area of WA state • 43 library branches • Many different languages and cultures • Population: • ESL patrons who utilize the library • approx. 45,000 people - about 9,062 are immigrants • Varying education levels, income, family size, and English usage
How? • Procedure: • Multistage sampling • Survey available online and printed out at programs • Convenience Sample • Survey: • http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LL5WTBM
Needs Assessment • Direct involvement from library patrons • Retrieve data about strengths and weaknesses • Improve services to benefit ESL patrons • Inquire about advertising the services offered
Research • Supporting Articles: • Library Programs • ESL teaching tools • Needs assessment study
Results • Shared: • ESL Patrons • Current Library Staff • Community Relations Teams • Local Organizations • Generalized to other library systems
