Libraries and English Language Learners

Sullivan, Maureen

Libraries and English Language Learners

Lynch, G. (2015). Libraries and English language learners. School Library Journal. Retrieved from: http://www.slj.com/2015/04/diversity/libraries-and-english-language-learners/#_

Summary:

This article highlights a library in Hennepin County, Minnesota to illustrate the rich diversity of its patrons and their particular needs regarding language and culture. It also addresses the challenges involved in developing collections to meet the varied linguistic needs of its patrons. For example, the Hmong written language was only developed 50 years ago, making the availability of items in print very limited. Lynch plugs the need to hire librarians that are culturally and linguistically representative of its patrons, making recruitment of more diverse pool of MLIS students key.

Evaluation: I have experienced this challenge first hand last year, when I was trying to purchase books in Samoan for a small public school in San Francisco with a large Samoan population. I worked with the public children's librarian from the local branch as well, but their collection was also quite small. The fact that many publishers that do carry books in languages other than English are much more expensive, making meeting school library budgets match the language needs of the library especially challenging. However, that doesn't mean that librarians shouldn't strive to procure diverse materials. Our students depend on it.