Authoritative Library Resources

National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL)Home Page:

NCFL’s homepage links to “Learn About  NCFL’s Work with English Language Learners.” 

Initiatives for English Language Learners

This site features NCFL’s Spanish language family literacy initiatives including the Hispanic Family Learning Initiative (HFLI). The site also includes NCFL initiatives focused on  increasing the language and literacy development of English language learners

American Library Association (ALA) Home Page

ALA’s mission is to promote the highest quality library and information services and public access to information.  ALA offers professional services and publications to members and nonmembers, including online news stories from American Libraries and analysis of crucial issues from the Washington Office.

Serving Non-English Speakers in U.S. Public Libraries

American Library Association (ALA) study provides new information about library services and programs developed for non-English speakers, including effectiveness of services, barriers to library use, most frequently used services and most successful library programs by language served.  You may download the full report through this link.

Ethnic and Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table (EMIERT) (ALA)

Resources are available and include links to the MultiCultural Review which is “Dedicated to a Better Understanding of Ethnic, Racial, and Religious Diversity” – A quarterly trade journal and book review for educators and libraries at all levels.  Home to the EMIE Bulletin.  Other links include Bibliographies of Children’s Materials, Contemporary Immigrant Experiences in Children’s Books, Armenian Genocide Bibliography, and Humor in Multicultural Literature.

RUSA Guidelines for the Development and Promotion of Multilingual Collections and Services (January 2007)

The RUSA publication includes guidelines for developing and promoting library services to Spanish speaking library users.

Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS)

This is the home page for OLOS which includes links for Non-English speakers.

REFORMA: The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and Spanish Speaking

The REFORMA website has resources for librarians serving children and young adult, , information for board and chapters,  suggestions for mentoring programs, an organizational directory, and resources and statements. The Resources & Statements section links to newsletters, publications, and policy statements. 

“Librarian’s Toolkit for Responding Effectively to Anti-Immigrant Sentiment” (REFORMA, May 2006)

The REFORMA toolkit has guidelines for the developing and promoting multilingual collections and services and helpful tips for all libraries. 

Urban Libraries Council

ULC’s publication, Welcome, Stranger:  Public Libraries Build The Global Village, released in January, 2008, outlines five strategies for library success:  1.Understand Local Immigration Dynamics; 2. Bring Sensitivity to Service Delivery; 3. Build English Capacity; 4. Create Connections to Local Institutions; 5.  Encourage Civic Engagement.  A final section offers advice on how to build a global village.

“Public Library Services to New Americans: Speeding Transi­tions to Learning, Work and Life in the U.S.,” (Urban Libraries Council, April 2003)

This ULC report has information that will help libraries assist new immigrants as they make the transition to American life. The publication has suggestions for connecting immigrants with community resources.  Demographic information is also included.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – Office of Citizenship, Department of
Homeland Security

USCIS’s comprehensive homepage is the first stop for immigration and citizenship information. The site has links to services and benefits, government forms, and legal regulations. The site is hot linked to the new naturalization text.

“Library Services for Immigrants: A Report on Current Practices,” (Office of Citizenship, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, March 2006)

This report, produced in collaboration with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), addresses the following topics:  partnerships, collections, information services, programs and events, outreach, and planning.

National Institute for Literacy

National Institute for Literacy:  Primer for ELL in Spanish (pdf file)

This is a primer for ELL in Spanish

Library Journal

The article, Collection Development “U. S. Citizenship”:  The Long and Winding Road”, appeared in Library Journal  May 1, 2008.  This article provides short history of U.S. naturalization acts and changes in immigration and naturalization services, an excellent bibliography of resources, and recommended resources for libraries.  

This toolkit offers: