Diversity

Statewide statistics show that the majority of learners in library literacy services are between the ages of 20 and 49, and are increasingly from non-white ethnic and cultural backgrounds. We have made some improvement in recruiting a more ethnically and culturally diverse volunteer base, but much work remains to be done. In addition, our focus on "serving the hardest to serve," has increased the number of learners who face the greatest barriers to reading, including identified learning difficulties, and a wide range of social issues. People who could easily be served by a standard curriculum in a large classroom approach are generally referred to other services such as adult education programs. In turn, those programs often refer the people they believe can best be served by a "one-on-one" approach the local library literacy program. While many local services have hired bi-lingual/bi-cultural staff, this must continue to be a priority to ensure the highest level of service possible. The tools and resources on this page are designed to help library literacy staff identify the issues and strategies surrounding the diversity of our learners, tutors, staff and program services.

"Dimensions of Diversity" newsletters (PDF)

Spring, 2003

• Feedback from the Field: Two Adult Learners Discuss The Challenges of Language, Culture
  
  
• Tolerance.org: A Great Resource for Teaching Understanding
  
  
• Bridging the Culture Gap - Bibliography
  Chris McFadden, San Diego Public and San Diego County Libraries
  
  
• Dear Listserv...
  
  
• One Literacy Coordinator Asks:
  How do you proceed with a visually impaired volunteer tutor?

Fall, 2002

• Understanding Ageism and Adult Learners
  Chris McFadden, San Diego Public and San Diego County Libraries
• A New Approach Required In Order to Attract Retiring 'Boomers' to Literacy
  Carla Lehn, California State Library
  
  
• Websites for Adult ESL Learners
  Valerie Hardie, San Diego Public and San Diego County Libraries
  
  
• Suggested Readings in Race, Racism and Literacy in the U.S.
  Lynne Price, San Francisco Public Library

Summer, 2002

• "We Hold These Truths to Be Self Evident..."
  Musings on the Declaration of Independence
  Lynne Price, San Francisco Public Library
  
  
• Another Way of Life: Recollections of Life as a Peace Corps Worker in Kenya
  Joan Sykes Miessi, San Mateo County Library

 

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