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Library Services for Hispanic Patrons in the University System of Georgia

Sarah HeplerMLIS 7700

National and Local Increases in the Hispanic Population

1990 2000 2006

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16

U.S.

Georgia

USG

Spanish Materials and Services in the News...

American Libraries – Insert Pic Here Public Libraries

CNN Video Gwinnett County Budget Cuts Denver Library Budget Cuts

Academic Libraries? Unknown

Increases in Hispanic Enrollment: 1995-2007

What is “Hispanic”

In this research proposal the term Hispanic: Describes people who come from cultures

where Spanish is the primary language spoken (excluding those from Spain).

Includes people descended from Spanish-speaking cultures in Latin America, South America, and the Caribbean.

In general: The term Hispanic refers to a cultural group,

not a racial or ethnic group.

Research Question

What is the nature of library services for Hispanic students? Collection Development Library Services Staffing

Results are expected to show that USG libraries do not support the needs of Hispanic students.

Literature Review Collection Development

Types of MaterialsSpanish LanguageBilingualFocus on Hispanic Experience

Library Services Community Analysis Reference services and materials geared towards Hispanic patrons Instruction Computer/internet access

Staffing Sympathetic, well-trained staff Diversity training Diverse library staff Staff involvement with Hispanic groups

Methods

Descriptive Methodological Approach Population = 36 USG libraries Sampling Frame = USG Institution List No Sample Survey

Closed and open-ended questions Administered online E-mail invitations with hyperlink to survey Pilot study

Data Analysis

Quantitative Survey Data Frequency Analysis Tables and Graphs

Illustrate the relationship between the growing number of Hispanic students in the USG and library services for Hispanic patrons

Bar Charts and Pie Charts

Qualitative Survey DataSelected qualitative data presented textually in the

results sectionSurvey results are expected to show that USG

libraries do not offer services to Hispanic students.

Survey Item 1: Institution Type

Survey Item 2: Materials

Survey Item 3: Services

Survey Item 4: Spanish-Speaking Staff

Survey Item 5: Diversity Training

Survey Item 6: Opinion Question

Survey Item 7: Additional Comments

Survey Item 7: Additional Comments

Services and Materials are Important Future Services Budget Cuts Diverse User Base

Conclusion USG libraries are more likely to carry

Spanish-language and Hispanic-themed materials, but are they are less likely to carry bilingual materials.

Library services for Spanish-speaking students are extremely rare.

A majority of USG libraries have Spanish speakers on their staffs.

Diversity training is common in USG libraries.

USG directors are ambivalent regarding the need for Spanish-language materials in their libraries.

Questions For Future Study Considering the widespread support for Spanish-language and

Hispanic-themed materials, why were USG libraries so much less likely to carry bilingual materials?

Given that the majority of USG libraries carry Spanish-language and Hispanic-themed materials, why are Spanish language services almost non-existent?

If 53% of USG libraries have staff that speaks Spanish, then why aren’t more libraries offering reference help and bibliographic instruction/orientation in Spanish?

USG library directors are overwhelmingly neutral regarding the need for Spanish-language materials and services in their libraries. Is this view warranted?

References