Libraries often struggle with incorporating a multicultural approach to their mission. The definition of multicultural is “of, relating to, reflecting, or adapted to diverse cultures.[i] But what does that really mean? Does diverse culture refer to religion, or education, or class, or ethic affiliation, or race? According to the International Federation of Libraries Associations and Institutions (IFLA), it’s all of the above and more. IFLA lists the following as needed for a library that has a multicultural community:
These guidelines have been compiled and published in order to promote standards of fairness and equity in library service to ethnic, linguistic and cultural minorities. The guidelines
provide criteria against which the adequacy of existing services may be assessed;
provide a basis for the planning of library services to all groups in the community;
provide an equitable basis for the purchase of materials and the provision of services;
and we believe that their implementation will also
encourage mutual understanding and tolerance among the ethnic, linguistic and cultural groups represented in all societies.[ii]
To IFLA the multiculturalism isn’t just one thing, it’s all things that have any diversity. So even though the race may be the same it doesn’t mean that the religions or languages are the same. IFLA takes it a step further a looks a specific smaller groups within communities, such as migrant workers, refugees and national minorities.
This still begs the question, “How do libraries ensure that they are working with the multicultural perspective in mind?” Several groups attempt to find ways for libraries to broaden their multicultural approach. The Multicultural Review (MCR) is one such group. The MCR’s states that their purpose is to be a “…resource to quickly and easily find materials to add to your library collections or to assist in classroom instruction.”[iii] By providing quarterly reviews that include current topics and trends in multiculturalism and providing lists of books that will help libraries achieve their goals.
Additionally, the American Library Association (ALA) has tried to address this with the Office for Literacy and Outreach Services. “OLOS focuses attention on services that are inclusive of traditionally underserved populations, including new and non-readers, people geographically isolated, people with disabilities, rural and urban poor people, and people generally discriminated against based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, language and social class. The Office ensures that training, information resources, and technical assistance are available to help libraries and librarians develop effective strategies to develop programs and services for library users.”[iv] The ALA works to achieve this with the help of several oversight groups. Each group offers advice of certain groups (the elderly, Native Americans, the poor, etc.) in an attempt to give libraries the tools they need to incorporate multiculturalism into their mission.
References:
[i] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multicultural
[ii] http://www.ifla.org/VII/s32/pub/guide-e.htm
[iii] http://www.mcreview.com/index.html
[iv] http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/olos/index.cfm#mission
8 comments:
I hadn't really considered geographical isolation before -- hooray for the bookmobile!
Addressing multiculturalism is such a complex issue, it's hard not to pigeonhole people into groups--latino, asian, urban, rural--the labels are endless and they never really achieve their purpose. Latino--is that Cuban, Puerto Rican, Mexican, do we include those from Brazil? Or are they not Latino because they speak Portugese? Ahhh! Attempting to address the specific concerns of each group without stereotyping is a challenge.
There are so many attributes that can define 'culture': race, nationality, religion, etc. Thankfully, technology is very helpful with some aspects of this issue. The internet provides a world of resources to all libraries, whether they are in Detroit or a tiny town like Polk, OH.
Addressing the actual holdings of a local library is another matter. However, on-line requests for interlibrary loans provide a vast amount of material for every cultural group. This may not be the 'ideal', but it is a step towards a library collection reflecting its community.
MCR has the right idea. “…resource to quickly and easily find materials to add to your library collections." You'd think librarians would be inundated with materials and ideas for service, but that isn't always the case. Given the diverse clientele library's face, sources of reviews of multicultural items are always in demand and appreciated.
As a person who is studying for MLIS and is a non-white, speaks English as a second language, I still don't know how I should treat this subject. When I was researching for this program, many non-white friends advised me that it would be hard for me to get a job even after finishing the course because of imperfection of my English language. But I was courageous enough to apply and started the program and the first semester is almost over. But, at this point, I am not sure whether I can continue to study or not. One of the barrier is financial problem. But much bigger barrier is that I am just overwhelmed by all of my classmates' work. You guys are so good!! I don't know if I can overcome this language barrier. I know that I have a service-oriented mind of a libraian but I am not sure if I have the ability to do the good job as a librarian.
I have a luxury that many in the field do not. I am able to start out as a classroom teacher with a bachelors degree, earning a living while working on a secondary degree. When I earn my masters not only am I able to work in a school library, which I can start doing while completing my degree, but I also gain a substantial pay raise as a reward for finishing my masters.
If you are deciding between two professions for practical reasons, instead of choosing the one you are most passionate about, a LMS degree has some major cons. Including both salary and the length of time it takes to break into the field. Add an accumulation of student debt and I can see why it may put the dreams of sensible people on ice. If you take into account that many minority students are the first to graduate college in his or her family it makes sense to choose a career guaranteed to pay off.
@ Ji... don't stop now!! You've shown yourself to be extremely insightful. We need you in this field!
The nature of libraries is already inclusive by default... and people overwhelmingly respond to that. Almost everyone will tell a librarian, in the same way we lie to the dentist that we've been flossing, that they were always in the library as kids and it's their favorite place in the world... let alone that they haven't set foot inside one in twenty years. This is because in this country a library is a home to everyone, no matter what. Books aren't judgmental, even if their authors are. Making sure that immigrants, minorities and everyone else feels this safety, value, sense of home at a library that I did growing up and the vast majority of my patrons did, is key to our continued growth. Diversity is a simply matter of course in this goal. We absolutely must be something for everyone in the broadest sense possible.
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