Collection Diversity Has No Borders: A Librarian’s Experience at FIL, CILELIJ and FILIJ
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7710/1093-7374.1878Keywords:
Oregon, Oregon libraries, academic library, libraries, librarians, northwest, information science, information literacy, writing, library trends, books, library funding, Oregon library association, quarterly, Oregon library association quarterly, American library association, journal, ala, ola, reading, library success, success, evolving roles, user experience, user services, library service design, web services, cataloging, public, new discipline, changes in libraries, career, careers, pacific northwest, library careers, library career, new department, student workers, services, professional journal, scholarly, academic, circulation, Portland, innovative, inventive, user, users, solution, patrons, REFORMA, REFORMA Or, REFORMA Oregon Chapter, round table, collaboration, outreach, REFORMA National, biblioteca, bibliotecas, spanish, spanish language, bibliotecas de oregon, bibliotecas de estados unidos, Latinx, Latino, Latina, Latino/a, hispanic, professional organization, mentoring, developing, development, professional, guadalajara, book, fair, fil, families reading together, libros for oregon, collections, connect, community, rural, mexico, united states, wccls, la feria internacional del libro, bilingual, youth, bibliotecas para la gente, oregon community foundation, international, cilelij, iberoamerican, children, filij, ninos, griego, spain, argentina, ediciones sm, kakandraka, ekare, tecolote, cidcli, fondo de cultura economica, picnics literarios, libros, tzotzil, zapoteco, nahuatl, maya, frankfurt, new, sendak, publishers, weekly, congress, columbia, leer/ibby, amoxpoani, promotores de lectura, direccion general de lenguas indigenas, indigenous, guia, recomendados, voltereta, la, kamishibai, fomento, seminario, parque bicentenario, germany, patricia moranAbstract
Many public libraries in communities where Spanish is a language preferred by a significant percentage of the population have dedicated Spanish language collections and bilingual/ bicultural staff that provides library services and programs. In Oregon, the Latino population is growing faster than the national average, and nearly half of Oregon Latinos are bilingual (Oregon Community Foundation, 2016). In alignment with best practices, and upholding the core values of our profession, libraries dedicate funds and shelving space to Spanish language materials to serve the informational, educational, and recreational needs of Spanish-speaking communities. Libraries that are dedicated to developing and maintaining rich and diverse collections that support thriving and empowered communities demonstrate this commitment through a holistic effort encompassing community engagement, strong relationships with vendors, as well as active participation in professional associations both locally and internationally.
In my work as a bilingual/bicultural librarian, previously in California and currently in Oregon, I contribute to selecting and promoting rich and diverse Spanish language collections. As part of this work, I have been able to expand my knowledge of Spanish language materials while connecting with and learning from professionals locally and internationally. In this article, I will share my experience at three professional development events held in Mexico between 2012 and 2016: FIL (Guadalajara International Book Fair), CILELIJ (Iberoamerican Congress of Language and Literature for Children and Youth) and FILIJ (International Book Fair for Children and Youth). Lastly, I will highlight the benefits of being an active member of a professional organization like REFORMA, and working to develop and promote library resources and services within the Latino/Spanish-speaking community.
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