Immigration Article of the Day: Welcoming the Outsider: The Practices of Public Libraries Towards Immigrants by Linda M. William
Welcoming the Outsider: The Practices of Public Libraries Towards Immigrants by L1nda M Williams, Arizona State University, School of Public Affairs March 23, 2015
Abstract: Studies of the actions of local public agencies towards immigrants show that bureaucratic agencies play an important role in the integration of immigrants into the community. Much of the research has focused on the actions of street-level bureaucracies such as local law enforcement agencies and schools in specific geographic areas. Other public agencies and organizations also provide services to immigrants. Public libraries have historically provided important information and services to immigrants and continue to do so. Results from a nationwide survey of public library systems show many libraries actively engage with immigrants in their community to provide critical services and have consciously and deliberately developed practices that are intended to develop positive relationships between the library and immigrants and to help immigrants integrate into the community.
KJ