After SPLASH

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After SPLASH!

• Library Services to Spanish Speakers in South
  Carolina

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SPLASH Participation

• Seven workshops statewide regionally sited
• 110 Library Staff
• 37 Public Libraries, 1 Academic
• 20 Community Leaders
• 4 Librarian Trainers

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Who are our Spanish-Speaking Customers?

• Where in your local area?
• What countries of origin?
• Length of residence in U.S.
• Skill with English language
• Educational level
• Economic level
• Interest in assimilation/acculturation

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Facts to know about Latinos in SC

• 400,000 Latinos live in S.C. 80 are Mexican
• Over 200,000 Mexicans work in S.C.
• Average annual income of 21,910
• 16 of income sent home to country of origin
• Local (SC) buying power 3.5 billion in 2005
• 58 report minors living in the home

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South Carolina Impact

• South Carolina has the 4th fastest growing
  Hispanic population in the US
• Since 2000, 1 in 6 new SC residents is Hispanic
• In 5 of S.C. homes, a language other than
  English is spoken

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What did we learn?

• Increased understanding of South Carolinas
  Latino population
• Increased sensitivity to interests and needs of
  diverse audiences
• Ideas for programs for Spanish speakers
• How to promote programs to diverse audiences
• Begin a plan for implementing a service
• Introduction to WebJunction online resources

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Challenges for Latinos

• Many struggle with English
• 25 (in S.C.) live below the poverty level.
  Meeting basic needs a daily concern.
• Many use technology already but do not have home
  computer
• Need encouragement to enter facility
• Isolation, transportation are problems
• Restrictive legislative efforts

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Possible Misconceptions about the Public Library

• Public libraries are only for the educated
• Library materials are for sale
  (libreria vs. biblioteca)
• Libraries charge fees for services
• Libraries are the government or
• will give personal information to
• government agencies
• Libraries only contain materials in English

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Challenges for Libraries

• Identifying the needs of the community
• Making Spanish speakers aware of the library
• Making Spanish speakers welcome in the library
• Delivering services in a culturally responsive
  way

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Two Simple Truths

• Everyone (not only Latinos) will embrace the
  public library tradition if they see direct
  benefits and if they are welcomed by library
  staff.
• There is an active, committed and expert social
  support network in place Librarians need to tap
  into this network.

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Getting Started with Services

• Everything begins with the needs assessment
  services must meet real needs
• Key Component Community leaders, community
  partners
• Promotion must target and appeal to the audience
• Follow through keep up momentum

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Welcome to the Library!

• How does your library say bienvenidos
  (welcome)?
• Signage, library card application in Spanish
• Greeter for program
• Emphasize popular formats
• All library staff on board!

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What do librarians need?

• Programming ideas
• Assistance with translation
• Relevant materials
• Support from colleagues
• Support from Administration

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Since SPLASH!

• REFORMA Chapter for North and South Carolina
  Library Memberships
• Poster Session at SCLA
• REFORMA at SCLA, NCLA, other events
• Meetings in both states
• E-newsletter
• Facebook
• Book Fair?

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E-newsletter
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Greenville County PL
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Anderson County PL DIA!
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Beaufort County PL
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MUCHAS GRACIAS!