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Overview
If your library serves a Latino population, you'll want this book. It will help you better serve the needs of Spanish-speaking patrons of all ages. The author gives background information on various Hispanic groups, explaining some of the cultural differences that can lead to misunderstanding. She then offers a variety of program and collection building ideas. A list of distributors of Spanish-language materials-books, periodicals, AV materials, computer and other educational resources-is provided, as well as Web site addresses of Spanish-language sites. Vocabulary lists for library and computer-related words and phrases and guidelines for correctly writing Spanish words are also included.
Synopsis
If your library serves a Latino population, you'll want this book. It will help you better serve the needs of Spanish-speaking patrons of all ages. The author gives background information on various Hispanic groups, explaining some of the cultural differences that can lead to misunderstanding. She then offers a variety of program and collection building ideas. A list of distributors of Spanish-language materials-books, periodicals, AV materials, computer and other educational resources-is provided, as well as Web site addresses of Spanish-language sites. Vocabulary lists for library and computer-related words and phrases and guidelines for correctly writing Spanish words are also included.
VOYA
The editor, a college librarian in a small Colorado community, brings together demographic facts, sound social analysis, and compelling theory about the role library services have in enriching the lives of a diverse segment of contemporary America. Moller successfully alerts her readers to the professional requirement that they plan thoughtfully, engage the proposed target population in that planning, and offer services that are culturally appropriate rather than inflexibly centered on traditional (Anglo) library tenets. Besides describing specific programs for youth and adults at libraries in states such as Colorado, Texas, and Arizona, she gives specific guidance in collection development issues relevant to librarians hoping to serve immigrants, bilingual families, Mexican Americans who cross the international border frequently, and other Spanish-speaking groups. There are some imperfections in her guidance, such as when she lists a particularly awkward Web translator in conflict with her own counsel to rely on native Spanish speakers for translation. Such lapses, however, are rare and overshadowed by the great amount of excellent professional and cultural help this accessible book offers. Although some Web sites, periodical titles, and subject suggestions offered here soon will become dated, the explication of the need for information and literacy-supporting services within Spanish-speaking communities gives this volume longevity as professional reading. Intended to stimulate discussion among library service planners and to offer counsel to service providers, this book should become required reading in any jurisdiction with an underserved Latino population. Index. Biblio. FurtherReading. Appendix. 2001, Libraries Unlimited, 200p, $28 pb. Ages Adult. Reviewer: Francisca Goldsmith SOURCE: VOYA, August 2001 (Vol. 24, No. 3)