Serving New Immigrant Communities in the Library

Citation

Freeman, M. (2010), "Serving New Immigrant Communities in the Library", New Library World, Vol. 111 No. 7/8, pp. 360-361. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074801011060009

Although very American in bias, this book raises some interesting questions for librarians and the services they provide – or do not provide – for immigrants. Even the term “immigrant” has difficulties –, e.g. are the third of a million UK citizens resident in Spain true “immigrants” or are they “expatriates”, “economic migrants”, “asylum seekers(!)” – whatever […]. The terminology is overloaded with political and economic baggage. The USA, with its porous borders, has a major problem regarding immigrants, as many are “illegals” who meld into the general population and disappear from the official gaze and control. The cultural gap is broad and librarians can do much to help new arrivals assimilate and contribute to the host country's society and economy.

The author, a former librarian and adult educator, provides a useful chapter on knowing and planning for new immigrant needs, finding out what immigrants want and their perception of public libraries along with their literacy and general education needs. Gathering appropriate demographic data is essential if library services are to be targeted and evaluated effectively. The author deals well with such important issues as resource planning, community organisations, and communicating with new immigrant communities. Being aware of immigrant communities' languages and culture is essential, as is an understanding of civil rights and equality of opportunity and access. The US Patriot Act, however, seems to be bearing hard upon immigrant users of public libraries, particularly computer usage, and this covert surveillance of library users is likely to intensify, despite the valiant protests of the American Library Association and others.

Useful ideas for community networking by public libraries are given and such concerns as finding professional translators and building multicultural collections are covered well. As one librarian observed “we don't do a good job in recruiting and mentoring people to enter the (LIS) profession. We still attract the white middle class person. We are still not seeking diversity.” So, developing a culturally responsive and representative library staff is seen as crucial.

All in all, this is a helpful, timely and thoughtful book, with a good bibliography and a clear index. It will be useful reading for community librarians and all those concerned with multicultural planning and provision in libraries.