Bienvenidos! =

by Susannah Mississippi Byrd

Overview

This guide offers ideas and strategies for developing a book collection and programs of interest to Latinos in a public library's service area, and generating excitement about the library among the local Latino community. The second half of the book reprints a directory to the Spanish-language marketplace compiled by Criticas, an English speaker's guide to the latest Spanish language titles. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780838909027
Publisher:	ALA Editions
Publication date:	08/21/2007
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.27(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

Editorial Reviews

In this very handy resource guide for public libraries beginning services for the Latino community, Byrd, a consultant for Cinco Puntos Press, creates a witty, readable guide that acts primarily as a directory of organizations, publishers, and Web sites that support Spanish-language and Latino services. Each chapter contains a short narrative with tips from experienced librarians on programming, collection development, and outreach, with a list of print and Web resources for further information. Byrd begins by discussing community assessment through surveys, interviews, and advisory councils. She describes how the local Latino community's dialect, country of origin, and generation can inform the development of library services. The chapter on collections focuses on book awards and English-language periodicals that review Spanish-language materials. Other topics addressed include access issues such as signage and Internet availability; programming such as story times, cultural events, and ESL classes; and formal and informal publicity. The main problem with this text is its length. More than half is devoted to a listing of wholesalers, distributors, and book, audio, and video publishers. Although it is certainly useful, those seeking detailed descriptions of programs or suggested booklists will want to look elsewhere. This title is recommended for libraries seeking basic information on developing services for Spanish language users and their local Latino communities. 2005, ALA Editions, 128p.; Charts. Source Notes., $20 pb. Ages adult professional.
—Angela Semifero

VOYA

This clearly written guide covers everything from survey analysis to access and outreach to collection development, and offers practical solutions and suggestions in refreshingly concise language. Byrd includes resources, services, government agencies, projects, professional organizations, etc., making this title a valuable addition to libraries and organizations that are initiating programs directed toward diverse Latino populations. For those already providing services, it includes a convenient list of suppliers for Spanish-language materials in all formats.-Rosa Hamilton, City of Mesa Library, AZ Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

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