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ERIC Number: ED508138
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 16
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Library Services for Immigrants: A Report on Current Practices
US Citizenship and Immigration Services
Public libraries in the United States have a long history of providing resources and education to immigrants. This tradition may be traced to Andrew Carnegie's support for public libraries as a place for immigrant self-education, enlightenment, and the study of democracy and English. This role is especially relevant today as the immigrant population in the United States has grown to a record 33.5 million people, representing approximately 12 percent of the U.S. population. New immigrants are settling outside of traditional gateway cities where there are fewer resources to facilitate integration, such as English language instruction or citizenship preparation courses. Thus, there is an even greater role for public libraries in welcoming and educating immigrants. This report identifies current practices in library services for immigrants and offers ideas for libraries that wish to provide programs and services for immigrants living in their communities. The report, which provides sample suggestions and strategies, is not a comprehensive guide, as there are likely many other promising approaches for assisting immigrants in libraries nationwide. The report addresses the following topics: (1) Partnerships; (2) Collections; (3) Information Services; (4) Programs and Events; (5) Outreach; and (6) Planning. The practices and recommendations in this report are the result of a working group convened in October 2004 by the Office of Citizenship, which is part of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security. The working group included representatives from public libraries across the country, immigrant community-based organizations, and adult educators who work with English language learners. Over the course of a day and a half, the group discussed many issues related to helping immigrants integrate into U.S. society, with a special focus on the roles public libraries can play. Their ideas are reflected in this report. A list of Working Group participants; and a list of Web sites of libraries participating in the Working Group are appended.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services. P.O. Box 7134, London, KY 40742-7134. Tel: 800-375-5283; Web site: http://www.uscis.gov/
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: US Citizenship and Immigration Services; Institute of Museum and Library Services
Identifiers - Location: United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A