Services for Immigrant Populations

Services for Immigrant Populations

By Morgan McMillian, Kit Pilgrim, and Orquidia

Contreras

By Morgan McMillian, Kit Pilgrim, and Orquidia

Contreras

Historical OverviewHistorical Overview

By Morgan McMillian                                                                                           

OverviewOverview

• There’s no definitive history as to how public libraries handled immigrant populations.

• Individual libraries managed their services differently.

• Articles in print give opinions, but practice was not necessarily the same.

• There’s no definitive history as to how public libraries handled immigrant populations.

• Individual libraries managed their services differently.

• Articles in print give opinions, but practice was not necessarily the same.

Librarians as ContributorsLibrarians as Contributors

• Even with debate, it is a common belief that public libraries were genuinely committed to helping immigrants.

• Librarians made a lasting contribution in the lives of immigrants.

• Even with debate, it is a common belief that public libraries were genuinely committed to helping immigrants.

• Librarians made a lasting contribution in the lives of immigrants.

     

     

     

New ProfessionNew Profession

• ALA was established in 1876 and struggled to define the role of the public librarian.

• Immigrant services helped determine profession.

• ALA was established in 1876 and struggled to define the role of the public librarian.

• Immigrant services helped determine profession.

AmericanizationAmericanization

• Second wave of immigrants struggled to fit into society.

• Public libraries were used to attempt to Americanize immigrants.

• Instead of simply giving services to immigrants, librarians learned from others in a mutually beneficial relationship.

• Term changed to ‘internationalize.’

• Second wave of immigrants struggled to fit into society.

• Public libraries were used to attempt to Americanize immigrants.

• Instead of simply giving services to immigrants, librarians learned from others in a mutually beneficial relationship.

• Term changed to ‘internationalize.’

Services for ImmigrantsServices for Immigrants

• Foreign language books• English classes• Simple English books for

beginning readers• Resources for citizenship

information• Cultural activities• Community center• Translation center• Traveling libraries

• Foreign language books• English classes• Simple English books for

beginning readers• Resources for citizenship

information• Cultural activities• Community center• Translation center• Traveling libraries

Proactive OutreachProactive Outreach

• Leaflets to neighborhoods, shops, grocery stores, churches, schools, etc.

• Home visits• ‘Welcome to the Library’ signs in five

different languages• Publicity in foreign language

newspapers• Slide shows in various languages

describing services offered

• Leaflets to neighborhoods, shops, grocery stores, churches, schools, etc.

• Home visits• ‘Welcome to the Library’ signs in five

different languages• Publicity in foreign language

newspapers• Slide shows in various languages

describing services offered

Committee for Work with the Foreign Born

Committee for Work with the Foreign Born

Mission: “to collect from libraries and supply

to them information on the desirable methods of assisting in the education of the foreign born in American ideals and customs and the English language.”

Mission: “to collect from libraries and supply

to them information on the desirable methods of assisting in the education of the foreign born in American ideals and customs and the English language.”

CWFBCWFB• ALA established committee in 1924.• Appointed publisher James Foster Carr first

director.• Recommended foreign language books to

purchase.• Provided handbook for immigrant services.• Established clearinghouse for information on

book buying and selection.• Developed cooperative network.

• ALA established committee in 1924.• Appointed publisher James Foster Carr first

director.• Recommended foreign language books to

purchase.• Provided handbook for immigrant services.• Established clearinghouse for information on

book buying and selection.• Developed cooperative network.

Three Sample LocationsThree Sample Locations

• Cleveland, Ohio• Chicago, Illinois• Queens, New York

• Cleveland, Ohio• Chicago, Illinois• Queens, New York

Cleveland, OhioCleveland, Ohio

• Progressive approach• Actively sought patrons in community• Taught citizenship classes• Created interlibrary loan within

branches• Hired bilingual staff members• Led by literary lion Eleanor Ledbetter

• Progressive approach• Actively sought patrons in community• Taught citizenship classes• Created interlibrary loan within

branches• Hired bilingual staff members• Led by literary lion Eleanor Ledbetter

Eleanor LedbetterEleanor Ledbetter

• 1890-1978• Previously, a UT

cataloguer• Saw library position

as social worker• Active in community• Traveled abroad to

find foreign language books

• Chaired CWFB

• 1890-1978• Previously, a UT

cataloguer• Saw library position

as social worker• Active in community• Traveled abroad to

find foreign language books

• Chaired CWFB

Eleanor LedbetterEleanor Ledbetter

• “It is not a philanthropy, not an exhibition of noble generosity on our part, not a condescension; it is just a straightforward necessary part of extending the service of the library, the use of books, and reading, to the whole community.”

• “It is not a philanthropy, not an exhibition of noble generosity on our part, not a condescension; it is just a straightforward necessary part of extending the service of the library, the use of books, and reading, to the whole community.”

Chicago, IllinoisChicago, Illinois

• Rapidly changing ethnic nature of city and huge population growth

• Delivery stations could not meet needs, so major expansion

• Rapidly changing ethnic nature of city and huge population growth

• Delivery stations could not meet needs, so major expansion

Chicago Public LibraryChicago Public Library

• 1909 Commission recommendation urged librarians to “act in the spirit of aggressive helpfulness rather than inactive guardianship.”

• CPL as local resource, not just book depository

• 1909 Commission recommendation urged librarians to “act in the spirit of aggressive helpfulness rather than inactive guardianship.”

• CPL as local resource, not just book depository

CPL ChallengesCPL Challenges

• Acquiring foreign language materials

• Lack of bilingual staff members• Budget constraints• Matching words and deeds in the

local branches

• Acquiring foreign language materials

• Lack of bilingual staff members• Budget constraints• Matching words and deeds in the

local branches

Queens Borough Public Library

Queens Borough Public Library

• 2000 census reported almost half foreign born and 54% speak a language other than English at home.

• Most ethnically diverse county in U.S.

• New Americans Program began in 1977.

• 2000 census reported almost half foreign born and 54% speak a language other than English at home.

• Most ethnically diverse county in U.S.

• New Americans Program began in 1977.

New Americans Program Goals

New Americans Program Goals

• Attract newcomers• Hire staff with language capabilities• Acquire appropriate materials• Provide ESOL classes• Introduce computer services• Offer cultural activities• Operate Mail-a-Book program

• Attract newcomers• Hire staff with language capabilities• Acquire appropriate materials• Provide ESOL classes• Introduce computer services• Offer cultural activities• Operate Mail-a-Book program

ChangesChanges

• CWFB renamed the Committee on Intercultural Action in 1948

• Committee lost funding and support

• Committee on Intercultural Action disbanded in 1957

• Other ALA committees took over those responsibilities

• CWFB renamed the Committee on Intercultural Action in 1948

• Committee lost funding and support

• Committee on Intercultural Action disbanded in 1957

• Other ALA committees took over those responsibilities

ChangesChanges

• National Origins Act in 1924 altered the scope of immigration in the country.

• The Great Depression emphasized class divisions over cultural ones.

• World War II gave immigrants new economic opportunities and allegiances to the U.S.

• Urgency of Americanization effort passed.

• National Origins Act in 1924 altered the scope of immigration in the country.

• The Great Depression emphasized class divisions over cultural ones.

• World War II gave immigrants new economic opportunities and allegiances to the U.S.

• Urgency of Americanization effort passed.

Why?Why?Arguments for Providing Immigrant Services

Kit Pilgrim

These are our communities:These are our communities:

• Approximately 33.5 million immigrants in the U.S. today

• 12.5 percent of the U.S. population

• 600,000-700,000 legal immigrants arrive each year

• 27,000 refugees arrive each year

• An estimated 500,000-800,00 undocumented immigrants arrive each year.

• Population of immigrants is growing 6 1/2 times faster than native born population

• Approximately 33.5 million immigrants in the U.S. today

• 12.5 percent of the U.S. population

• 600,000-700,000 legal immigrants arrive each year

• 27,000 refugees arrive each year

• An estimated 500,000-800,00 undocumented immigrants arrive each year.

• Population of immigrants is growing 6 1/2 times faster than native born population

2006 U.S. Census Data

Percent of Population:Percent of Population:Geography Percent

California 27.2New York 21.6New Jersey 20.1Nevada 19.1Florida 18.9Hawaii 16.3Texas 15.9Arizona 15.1Massachusetts 14.1Illinois 13.8Connecticut 12.9District of Columbia 12.7Rhode Island 12.6United States 12.5Washington 12.4Maryland 12.2Colorado 10.3New Mexico 10.1Virginia 10.1Oregon 9.7Georgia 9.2Utah 8.3Delaware 8.1Alaska 7

North Carolina 6.9Minnesota 6.6Kansas 6.3Michigan 5.9Idaho 5.6Nebraska 5.6

New Hampshire 5.4Pennsylvania 5.1Oklahoma 4.9Wisconsin 4.4Indiana 4.2

South Carolina 4.1Tennessee 3.9Vermont 3.9Arkansas 3.8Iowa 3.8Ohio 3.6Missouri 3.3Maine 3.2Louisiana 2.9Alabama 2.8Kentucky 2.7Wyoming 2.7South Dakota 2.2North Dakota 2.1Montana 1.9Mississippi 1.8West Virginia 1.2Puerto Rico 2.9

2006 U.S. Census Data

New Growth CentersNew Growth Centers

In addition, major urban cities are no longer the main destination for immigrants

Public libraries need to respond to the needs of

their communities

Public libraries need to respond to the needs of

their communities

“Excellence must be defined locally--it results when library services match community needs, interests, and priorities.”

--Kathleen de laPeña McCook

Library Bill of RightsLibrary Bill of Rights

V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

ALA’s Resolution in Support of

Immigrant Rights Adopted at the ALA 2007 Midwinter Meeting in

Seattle, Washington

ALA’s Resolution in Support of

Immigrant Rights Adopted at the ALA 2007 Midwinter Meeting in

Seattle, Washington

States:States:therefore, be it RESOLVED, That ALA strongly supports the protection of each person’s civil

liberties, regardless of that individual’s nationality, residency, or status; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That ALA opposes any legislation that infringes on the rights of

anyone in the USA or its territories, citizens or otherwise, to use library resources, programs, and services on national, state, and local levels.”

PLA’s New Planning for Results’ 13 “Library Responses”:

PLA’s New Planning for Results’ 13 “Library Responses”:

1. Basic Literacy2. Business and Career Information3. Commons4. Community Referral5. Consumer Information6. Cultural Awareness7. Current Topics and Titles8. Formal Learning Support9. General Information10. Government Information11. Information Literacy12. Lifelong Learning13. Local History and Genealogy

1. Basic Literacy2. Business and Career Information3. Commons4. Community Referral5. Consumer Information6. Cultural Awareness7. Current Topics and Titles8. Formal Learning Support9. General Information10. Government Information11. Information Literacy12. Lifelong Learning13. Local History and Genealogy

PLA’s New Planning for Results’ 13 “Library Responses”:

PLA’s New Planning for Results’ 13 “Library Responses”:

3. CommonsUrban Libraries Councilsurvey found that “86%of survey libraries…saycultural, immigrant, andrefugee agencies andassociations use thelibrary as a communitymeeting space.”

3. CommonsUrban Libraries Councilsurvey found that “86%of survey libraries…saycultural, immigrant, andrefugee agencies andassociations use thelibrary as a communitymeeting space.”

PLA’s New Planning for Results’ 13 “Library Responses”:

PLA’s New Planning for Results’ 13 “Library Responses”:

8. Formal Learning Support– ESL Classes– Literacy Classes

8. Formal Learning Support– ESL Classes– Literacy Classes

PLA’s New Planning for Results’ 13 “Library Responses”:

PLA’s New Planning for Results’ 13 “Library Responses”:

10. Government Information– Citizenship

Information– Tax Information– Government

Processes Information

10. Government Information– Citizenship

Information– Tax Information– Government

Processes Information

PLA’s New Planning for Results’ 13 “Library Responses”:

PLA’s New Planning for Results’ 13 “Library Responses”:

11. Information Literacy– Computer Classes– Internet Access

11. Information Literacy– Computer Classes– Internet Access

Other considerations:Other considerations:

• History of immigration to U.S.• History of immigration to U.S.

Other considerations:Other considerations:

• Immigrant support of public libraries in the future

• Immigrant support of public libraries in the future

Other considerations:Other considerations:

• Immigrants are taxpayers through their homes and jobs

• Immigrants are taxpayers through their homes and jobs

Other considerations:Other considerations:

• Increase native born cultural and social awareness

• Increase native born cultural and social awareness

It’s our future:It’s our future:

• “Children of immigrants are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population under 18.”

• Immigrant children account for 20% of K-12 U.S. school enrollment

• “Children of immigrants are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population under 18.”

• Immigrant children account for 20% of K-12 U.S. school enrollment

“The disenfranchisement of a significant portion of the population will not further the goals of a

democracy that depends on an informed citizenry to examine issues of public concern, to vote, to

exercise good judgment as a consumer, to value and promote education, to become the next

generation of technicians, teachers, health and medical personnel, researchers, academicians,

and artists.”

--Sonia Ramirez Wohlmuth and Kathleen de la Peña McCook

“The disenfranchisement of a significant portion of the population will not further the goals of a

democracy that depends on an informed citizenry to examine issues of public concern, to vote, to

exercise good judgment as a consumer, to value and promote education, to become the next

generation of technicians, teachers, health and medical personnel, researchers, academicians,

and artists.”

--Sonia Ramirez Wohlmuth and Kathleen de la Peña McCook

Overview of Material Available on Topic

Overview of Material Available on Topic

Orquidia Contreras Orquidia Contreras

Historical Background Historical Background

• Library Literature from 19th century is rare – Few writings to be found – Start in the early 1900’s

• Printed speeches, articles, personal journals and writings from library professionals

• Library Literature from 19th century is rare – Few writings to be found – Start in the early 1900’s

• Printed speeches, articles, personal journals and writings from library professionals

To Provide Foreign Language Books or Not? That is the

question.

To Provide Foreign Language Books or Not? That is the

question. • Initial issue was “Should the public

library provide books in foreign languages?”– “Library Services to Immigrants: The

Debate in the Library Literature, 1900-1920 by Eric Novotny• Novotny examines rare library literature

on the topic of services geared toward immigrant communities.

• Initial issue was “Should the public library provide books in foreign languages?”– “Library Services to Immigrants: The

Debate in the Library Literature, 1900-1920 by Eric Novotny• Novotny examines rare library literature

on the topic of services geared toward immigrant communities.

Early Library Literature Early Library Literature

• “Why Public Libraries Should Supply Books in Foreign Languages” by Edwin White Gaillard (1903)– New York Public Librarian from 1897 to

1928– At the forefront of the issue Gaillard argued

that the public library was obligated to meet the needs of the community as a whole!

– Edwin White Gaillard Papers are archived at NYPL Humanities Manuscript and Archives

• “Why Public Libraries Should Supply Books in Foreign Languages” by Edwin White Gaillard (1903)– New York Public Librarian from 1897 to

1928– At the forefront of the issue Gaillard argued

that the public library was obligated to meet the needs of the community as a whole!

– Edwin White Gaillard Papers are archived at NYPL Humanities Manuscript and Archives

• “Library Work Among Foreigners” by Josepha Kudlicka (1910)– Strong supporter of the immigrant Polish

population as well as a library professional Kudlicka emphasizes the importance of the library as a source of social support “where help and information of all kinds is asked and received.”

• “Library Work Among Foreigners” by Josepha Kudlicka (1910)– Strong supporter of the immigrant Polish

population as well as a library professional Kudlicka emphasizes the importance of the library as a source of social support “where help and information of all kinds is asked and received.”

Plummer Alston JonesPlummer Alston Jones Libraries, Immigrants

and the American Experience (1999)

• Breaks down the history of immigrant library services into two sections

– Period of “free immigration” 1876 to 1912

– Period of “restricted immigration” 1924 to 1924

Libraries, Immigrants and the American Experience (1999)

• Breaks down the history of immigrant library services into two sections

– Period of “free immigration” 1876 to 1912

– Period of “restricted immigration” 1924 to 1924

Plummer Alston JonesPlummer Alston Jones• Still Struggling for Equality:

American Public Library Services with Minorities (2004)– Jones continues to examine the

continuing Americanization of the immigrant and his patronage of the public library

– Additional topics: Federal funding, Civil Rights Movement, Cultural Movements of the 1960’s and multiculturalism and globalization

• Still Struggling for Equality: American Public Library Services with Minorities (2004)– Jones continues to examine the

continuing Americanization of the immigrant and his patronage of the public library

– Additional topics: Federal funding, Civil Rights Movement, Cultural Movements of the 1960’s and multiculturalism and globalization

1990’s 1990’s • Immigrant Politics

and the Public Library (2001) by Susan Luevano-Molian – The impact of anti-

immigrant legislation on immigrant library users

• Immigrant Politics and the Public Library (2001) by Susan Luevano-Molian – The impact of anti-

immigrant legislation on immigrant library users

It’s happening right now! It’s happening right now!

• “Libraries Examine Policies As Counties Target Illegals” by G.M. Eberhart – In the wake of this year’s failed

Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act two counties in Virginia are facing possible changes to standard circulation and library card policy

• “Libraries Examine Policies As Counties Target Illegals” by G.M. Eberhart – In the wake of this year’s failed

Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act two counties in Virginia are facing possible changes to standard circulation and library card policy

Library Pioneers Library Pioneers

• American Public Library Service to the Immigrant Community, 1876 – 1984: A Biographical History of the Movement and it’s Leaders by Plummer Alston Jones (1991)– Library heroes:

• Jane Maud Campbell • John Foster Carr• Eleanor Edwards Ledbetter • Edna Phillips

• American Public Library Service to the Immigrant Community, 1876 – 1984: A Biographical History of the Movement and it’s Leaders by Plummer Alston Jones (1991)– Library heroes:

• Jane Maud Campbell • John Foster Carr• Eleanor Edwards Ledbetter • Edna Phillips

Jane Maud CampbellJane Maud Campbell

• English immigrant who became a dedicated librarian serving immigrant groups with education and library services and Head of Public Libraries for Passaic, New Jersey

• English immigrant who became a dedicated librarian serving immigrant groups with education and library services and Head of Public Libraries for Passaic, New Jersey

Eleanor Edwards LedbetterEleanor Edwards Ledbetter

• Public librarian and servant to the immigrant community of Cleveland

• Public librarian and servant to the immigrant community of Cleveland

Queens Borough Public Library

Queens Borough Public Library

• Queens Public Library New Americans and Adult Learner Programs Case Study Report by Joan Durrance (Univ. of Mich. & Univ. of WA)

• Queens Public Library New Americans and Adult Learner Programs Case Study Report by Joan Durrance (Univ. of Mich. & Univ. of WA)

Cultural NegotiationsCultural Negotiations• Librarian’s Toolkit for Responding to Anti-

Immigrant Sentiment by REFORMA• Diversity Articles & Publications by ALA• Libraries, the Universe, and Everything:

Serving Immigrant Populations: A Library Prototype for Diversity by Multimedia Services and College of Dupage (VHS)

• Library Services for Immigrants: A Report on Current Practices by USCIS and IMLS

• Librarian’s Toolkit for Responding to Anti-Immigrant Sentiment by REFORMA

• Diversity Articles & Publications by ALA• Libraries, the Universe, and Everything:

Serving Immigrant Populations: A Library Prototype for Diversity by Multimedia Services and College of Dupage (VHS)

• Library Services for Immigrants: A Report on Current Practices by USCIS and IMLS

Libraries, the Universe, and Everything: Serving Immigrant

Populations

Libraries, the Universe, and Everything: Serving Immigrant

Populations• Library Learning Network• An informative heaping helping of

information! • Teleconferences for workshops for

library staff and professionals• Panel discussions of library

workers direct from the trenches – librarians talking to librarians and library administrators

• 90mins VHS, UT call # 11,177 Audio Visual Library (FAC 341) 3 day loan

• Library Learning Network• An informative heaping helping of

information! • Teleconferences for workshops for

library staff and professionals• Panel discussions of library

workers direct from the trenches – librarians talking to librarians and library administrators

• 90mins VHS, UT call # 11,177 Audio Visual Library (FAC 341) 3 day loan

How to Assess Your Communities Needs?

How to Assess Your Communities Needs?

• Statistics, yah I know • U.S. Census www.census.gov

– Decennial Census (long form, every 10 years)

– American Comm. Survey (annual info.)– Annual Population Estimates International

Migration as a Component of Population Change (find out what immigrant communities are migrating where)

• Statistics, yah I know • U.S. Census www.census.gov

– Decennial Census (long form, every 10 years)

– American Comm. Survey (annual info.)– Annual Population Estimates International

Migration as a Component of Population Change (find out what immigrant communities are migrating where)

Other countries…Other countries…

• Canada – “Family Story

Times for New Immigrant Combine Learning and Fun.” by Evette Berry (2007)

• Canada – “Family Story

Times for New Immigrant Combine Learning and Fun.” by Evette Berry (2007)

DenmarkDenmark

• “Danish Strategies in Public Library Services to Ethnic Minorities” by Jens Thorhague (2007)

• “Danish Strategies in Public Library Services to Ethnic Minorities” by Jens Thorhague (2007)

WebJuntionIndigenous and New Immigrant

Communities

WebJuntionIndigenous and New Immigrant

Communities

• www.webjunction.com• Tons of information just a click a away

– “Defining Images: Rethinking Outreach to New Americans” by Ann Friedman (2006)

– “InfoBUS: Serving Immigrant and Refugee Populations” by Damone Virgilio (2004)

– “Chinatown Zine Lures Teens to Library” by D.L.W. (2002)

• www.webjunction.com• Tons of information just a click a away

– “Defining Images: Rethinking Outreach to New Americans” by Ann Friedman (2006)

– “InfoBUS: Serving Immigrant and Refugee Populations” by Damone Virgilio (2004)

– “Chinatown Zine Lures Teens to Library” by D.L.W. (2002)

Austin Public LibraryAustin Public Library

• New Immigrant Centers– “New Immigrants

Center at Austin Public Library” by Diana Miranda-Murillo (2006)

• New Immigrant Centers– “New Immigrants

Center at Austin Public Library” by Diana Miranda-Murillo (2006)

The Immigrant AutobiographyThe Immigrant Autobiography

The Promised Land by Mary Antin (1912)

The Promised Land by Mary Antin (1912)

“…Public Library – Built by the People – Free to All…That I who was brought up to my teens almost without a book…should be set down in the midst of all the books that ever were written was a miracle as great as any on record. That an outcast should become a privileged citizen, that a beggar should dwell in a palace – this was a romance more thrilling than poet ever sung.”

“…Public Library – Built by the People – Free to All…That I who was brought up to my teens almost without a book…should be set down in the midst of all the books that ever were written was a miracle as great as any on record. That an outcast should become a privileged citizen, that a beggar should dwell in a palace – this was a romance more thrilling than poet ever sung.”

Melting Pot: American Fiction of Immigration: The American Novel

Amerian Masters (PBS)www.pbs.org.wnet/americannovel

Melting Pot: American Fiction of Immigration: The American Novel

Amerian Masters (PBS)www.pbs.org.wnet/americannovel

• What is the “American Novel?” – Immigration as fiction

• Literature that explore characters, plots, and themes that deal with immigration, wealth, poverty and the nature of “success and failure in America”

• Call it Sleep by Henry Roth (1934)• House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (1984)• My Antonia by Willa Cather (1918)• The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan (1989)

• What is the “American Novel?” – Immigration as fiction

• Literature that explore characters, plots, and themes that deal with immigration, wealth, poverty and the nature of “success and failure in America”

• Call it Sleep by Henry Roth (1934)• House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (1984)• My Antonia by Willa Cather (1918)• The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan (1989)

Who is that kid? Who is that kid?

It doesn’t matter if you’re blue and furry and the librarian doesn’t understand what you’re saying there is still something for you at the library.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJlkplvYdgA

It doesn’t matter if you’re blue and furry and the librarian doesn’t understand what you’re saying there is still something for you at the library.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJlkplvYdgA