Post #5 – Library Services and Non-English Speakers
This is my fifth posting on my personal blog, and I have to say, I have enjoyed this experience of learning and contributing my thoughts with this fascinating library course, offered at Domincan University and taught by the very talented Professor, Michael Stephens. I would like to continue this style of learning, creating and following new information on the web. Throughout these three months, I have become more confident exploring and using the new skills; understanding the current networking techniques; and an understanding of using HTML coding. This is a course that has opened a new door in my professional career. I now have new goals and ideas to apply in my current two jobs. As I learn these new skills, I think its important for me to apply these skills with the Spanish speaking patrons that visit the library.
This is a sensitive subject for some people in the library field because there are library staff members who strongly believe libraries should only offer English services; and everyone who walks into the library should speak English. In reality, many of our communities in Chicago have communities who speaking various languages. It is important for our libraries to update the technology services to help their existing communities. Libraries should be prepared to welcome new users, both fluent English speakers and non-English speakers.
Throughout my experience while working in a town where 60% percent of the patrons are now Spanish speaking patrons, has been a challenging one and it has also been very rewarding. Libraries face a big problem when they try to provide new services in other languages and they cannot find it. As we become professional librarians, we should be knowledgable on this subject and contribute with other librarians.
For example, in a recent article I found in the Library Journal-Criticas Edition; ALA and Spanish Speakers—Too Much of a Divide? By Aída Bardales — July 15, 2007. Bardales expressed a concern for the small amount of panels representing Spanish speaking librarians and services at this year’s ALA Conference in Washington, D. C. The need is out there and the tools are available, they just need to be explored. It is up to us, as information providers to express some concern and implement new ideas and support to help libraries with the needs of providing support for non-English speakers.
A year ago the manager of the interlibrary loan department I work for, asked me to translate a department brochure. The library members found it very helpful and their Spanish speaking patrons appreciated the information provided in their first language. The popularity grew and the manager has now ordered more brochures in Polish and Arabic.
This past week I attended a staff meeting and we were introduced to the new formatted SWAN catalog and a couple of staff members suggested the catalog be available in other languages. The idea was appreciated, and I was asked by the director to look over and explore other library catalogs that are translated in Spanish. I have looked at various libraries and the demand for other languages in libraries has become highly requested. Spanish is one of the many languages available in catalog and database translations. Polish, Arabic, Japanese, Chinese and French are just a few more languages to mention. Check out Skokie Public Library’s catalog, it’s translations are automated by Google.
I was fiddling around with Wikipedia in Spanish and I searched for the word blog. Since its been added to the English dictionary, I wondered if it translated in Spanish, and it did.
A week ago I helped someone who spoke Polish and she needed to verify some information she had for the United States naturalization exam. She wanted to read it in her native language first and then practice pronouncing the words in English. It took me a couple of minutes to help her and when I found the information she needed she was very happy and grateful. This was major help for her. This is why I say it is very rewarding and gratifying to help someone who is new to the English language. If libraries supply the help to fullfill the needs of non-English speaking patrons, these patrons will become motivated and they will learn to speak English.
Libraries should not be divided into places where you only welcome the patrons that are avid readers and technology savvy. Libraries and librarians should welcome all users and embrace the availability of other languages and apply them to the library’s collection development, technology and networking services. Cheers! “)
The topic of libraries and non-English speakers is an important. Unfortunately, it is one that, many times, we choose not to address. I agree with you that we cannot afford to ignore those who need our help in another language. I work in a school where there are many Spanish speakers. Though getting the online catalog in Spanish may be a far-off dream, I can some of the things you suggested — brochures and signs in Spanish. I also am learning some phrases so I can be more of a help to them. Thanks for writing this interesting blog.
You bring up a great point about meeting the needs of our needs of out users that are non-English speakers. Working in a school with 30 percent Spanish speakers, you have reminded me that I can always strive for more. I can get brochures and notes translated for them. I can also add more Spanish phrases to my repertoire!
Interesting and thoughtful post, Semi. As a monolingual speaker, I always feel frustrated when I can’t help someone who is desperately trying to get a message across. Bilingual signage, pamphlets and especially bilingual staff can provide many immigrants the chance to succeed in this country. Historically, in the early 1900s, when the second wave of immigrants came to the U.S. from Eastern Europe (Poles, Italians, Greeks, etc.) libraries were instrumental in helping them learn the language, customs and laws of this country. Perhaps it’s time to reread the history books!
This is one area where the traditional practicality of the librarian may win out to everyone’s benefit. Regardless of political leanings, we can all recognize that there is a pressing need for bilingual library services. As in all instances, we should be striving to provide our patrons with the best and most comprehensive service possible, rather than caving to political pressure.