Multiculturalism and diversity influence information policy through its promotion of Multicultural information and equal access to information. Multiculturalism information policy strives to provide access to information to all users and provide materials that promote cultural uniqueness. This goal is handled differently from place to place and nation to nation. The equal access to information for people with disabilities is covered in the U.S. by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the ALA dictates that “Libraries must not discriminate against individuals with disabilities and shall ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to library resources.” The most obvious is the need for barrier free physical access to the information, but it also requires information be accessible in alternative non-visual media for people with impaired vision and visual captioning of images for people with impaired hearing.
Promoting multiculturalism through information policy.
According to a resolution put forth by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) multicultural information policy must provide “access to and use of information and knowledge, with emphasis on ensuring multicultural, multilingual content; and to help promote access of all citizens.” Many countries have national information policies that dictate the diversity of culture and language. Canada’s policy on Multiculturalism is expansive. By the Official Languages Act (1985) all federal documents must be produced in English and French. The Canadian Multiculturalism Act (1985) policy promotes the full participation in Canadian society by all, through government-wide issues such as communication and cultural protection.
Do homogenous communities need to include Multicultural materials even if they don't have an audience for them? Rochelle Arsenault and Penny Brown argue that they should. They recommend a policy that promotes Multiculturalism by providing access to materials that promote other cultures religious books, fiction, folktales, and materials in foreign languages.(Arsenault, 2007)
Providing equal access to people with special needs.
A publication by the National Federation of the Blind states that the “requirements for providing accessible information in alternative non-visual media are an integral part of the ADA's nondiscrimination policy.” Library materials that would meet the requirements include; recorded books, large print materials, descriptive/captioned video.
Discussion questions:
1) Canada's information policy requires all federal documents be published in both French and English. Should all U.S. documents be required to be published in other languages, Spanish for example?
2) Some people are opposed to Multiculturalism. While the Ayn Rand Institute may be viewed as extremist, they do raise a good point, “Multiculturalism holds that an individual’s identity and personal worth are determined by ethnic/racial membership—not by his own choices and actions.”(Berliner, 2002) If America is a melting pot, should we mandate the promotion of other cultures and highlight the differences in people through an enforced Multiculturalism information policy? Or should we adopt a policy similar to Canada’s Multiculturalism information policy? Do we need an official Multiculturalism policy at all?
3) How might cash-strapped libraries provide people with special needs access to information? What information should be a priority? How great a role should libraries play in access to information for people with special needs?
References:
Toward Equal Access: Providing Information Access Services to Blind and Visually Impaired Persons Under the Americans With Disabilities Act. National Federation of the Blind: Baltimore. (1991)
Uhlir, Paul. (2003). Draft Policy Guidelines for the Development and Promotion of Public Domain Information. Paris: UNESCO
http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001297/129725e.pdf
Berliner, Michael S. & Gary Hull. "Multiculturalism: An Assault on the Individual". Impact, November 2002
http://www.aynrand.org/site/DocServer/newsletter_multiculturalism.pdf?docID=162
Diversity and Multiculturalism/ Diversité et Multiculturalisme. Canadian Heritage/ Patrimoine canadien. (2008)
http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/index_e.cfm
http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/index_f.cfm
Arsenault, R., et. al. (2007). “The Case for Inclusive Multicultural Collections in the School Library” CSLA Journal, 31 (1). p. 20-1
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3) How might cash-strapped libraries provide people with special needs access to information? What information should be a priority? How great a role should libraries play in access to information for people with special needs?
The library system I work for has become (some years ago) a federal sub-regional library for the deaf and blind. The services include special audio tapes and players mailed to individuals for free (and with no shipping charge) who blind or visually-impaired or otherwise unable to read. The other services include braille books for the blind. There are other services also. These programs are fully funded by the government as an attempt to reach patrons who would not normally be able to visit a library and encourage them to read and educate themselves. The programs not only reach the blind or deaf, they reach out to people who may not be able to read or understand the written word (such as individuals with mental retardation or learning disabilities).
Also, my library has a ASL signer available for any of our activities and/or programs upon request (and at no charge to the patron or public). It is another great service that helps the library reach out into the community to encourage patrons to visit us.
Meagan Brown
1) Canada's information policy requires all federal documents be published in both French and English. Should all U.S. documents be required to be published in other languages, Spanish for example?
I think it is a bit different for the U.S because although Spanish speaking idividuals make up a large quantity of our population, they certainly don't make up such a large majority that it would justify printing documents in both languages. Canada has a very large French speaking population, and in major Canadian cities like Quebec, and even Toronto, they speak French almost exclusively, and it's different in the U.S with spanish speaking individuals. No where in the U.S is there a such a high concentration of Spanish speakers that it would justify the action of printing documents in two languages.
However at individual libraries that are appealing to a less broad and better recognized population, it would make sense to have dual languages on signs, as well as on computers. It's too broad and encompassing to apply dual language signs or documents on a national level, however, at a local level, I think it's appropriate but should be left at the library's disrection.
1.) Canada's information policy requires all federal documents be published in both French and English. Should all U.S. documents be required to be published in other languages, Spanish for example?
I agree with James in that it seems impractical to do this in the U.S., simply because there are so many other languages spoken throughout the country. It certainly would make sense (and would be desirable) to have documents in two languages if particular municipalities have a large population of residents that speak a language other than English.
2) If America is a melting pot, should we mandate the promotion of other cultures and highlight the differences in people through an enforced Multiculturalism information policy? Or should we adopt a policy similar to Canada’s Multiculturalism information policy? Do we need an official Multiculturalism policy at all?
Again, it wouldn't be practical to attempt laws like Canada's on a nationwide basis here. I certainly don't think there's anything wrong with celebrating our population's diversity, though. I understand the point the folks from the Rand Institute are trying to make, but ethnic and cultural identity are too important to peoples' heritage to ignore.
3) How might cash-strapped libraries provide people with special needs access to information? What information should be a priority? How great a role should libraries play in access to information for people with special needs?
They could apply for grants to fund services or staff positions. They could also consider using volunteer interns/students from nearby colleges to do things like read and record books on tape or provide sign-language interpretation for events. They may even be able to find student volunteers to provide translating services for patrons who may not speak English as their first language.
I do think it would be beneficial to have everything printed in English and Spanish. I also think that foreign language needs to be more of a focus in school. It seems like most other countries teach English as well as their national language, why can’t we generate more graduates with a better ability to communicate? Spanish and English are in the top three used languages in the world (http://www.davidpbrown.co.uk/help/top-100-languages-by-population.html ). It would go a long way to improving communication and inter-cultural relations to be able to take advantage of that fact.
I do agree that every individual is defined by their thoughts and actions, but culture greatly affects that. Educating people in and experiencing multiculturalism helps us to learn where each other comes from – it helps us to understand ourselves and our neighbors. Part of what makes us who we are is our history and culture.
Canada's dual language policy is a little different than in the U.S. for the simple fact that the U.S. has no official language. Perhaps the library itself could have either a staff member or an outside source available for patrons who need a translator would be a better way to go than printing all government documents in multiple areas. Different areas have different language needs, and libraries in those areas could have staff who know the multiple languages spoken there. I also agree with Holly that foreign language needs to be a bigger focus in this country.
Maybe we in this country should take a closer look at Canada's Multiculturalism policy. Canada doesn't just have French and English populations. They also have Native Canadians, Asians, Scottish, etc. If they have a Multiculturalism policy in place that is working, we should imitate it.
I don't think the US should be like Canada. US is a multi culture country with small ethnic groups everywhere. Spanish might be popular in Detroit but not in Dearborn. And Canton has its own ethnic group. We have so many groups around here that there is no way you can elect English and another language.
Canada's information policy requires all federal documents be published in both French and English. Should all U.S. documents be required to be published in other languages, Spanish for example?
I would say no, because unlike Canada, the United States doesn't officially have more than one language. Canada has both French and English as official languages. The United States has one language: English. Therefore, unless that changes, we shouldn't. Individual libraries with large hispanic populations in the community may want to have more of a Spanish influence, but all libraries shouldn't be dual language. Libraries should reflect their communities, and all libraries don't have a large spanish speaking community that they serve.
“Multiculturalism holds that an individual’s identity and personal worth are determined by ethnic/racial membership—not by his own choices and actions.”(Berliner, 2002)
Wow. What a sad interpretation of multiculturalism. We are all determined by the full extent of who and what we have encountered on our journey through this life. Choices, race, ethnicity, family makeup etc. etc. As far as giving people access to other's viewpoints, languages and cultures through a mandate or otherwise, I feel any policy made should never engender a feeling of separateness or highlight differences. If a MP can be created that does not do this, I would be all for it. Teaching the stories (literature, language, culture, history) of other cultures allows us to juxtapose and interpret our own stories in new and interesting ways' not highlight and increase our differences.
As to items being printed in several languages, I yearn for a time when making printed items accessible to all doesn't need to be mandated, but becomes part of the creation process when and item is being made/marketed. In the meantime, I think it makes sense for all of us to: 1. Learn a new language and 2. Find out what languages are being used around us so we can offer items in our libraries to those who desire them in their language of choice.
I'm not so sure that U.S. documents should be required to published in English as well as other languages. Like others said, we are a melting pot country. We combine our differences to make one new, unique culture. Besides, if we were to require that documents be available in all languages that are spoke here in the U.S., I'm pretty sure that all documents would be translated in numerous languages. Who'd do or pay for this? Is it a practical solution? I truely accept multiculturalism and am intrigued by it. I find it very beneficial to our unity to understand the cultural background of others.
Like others said I think that the United States is different from Canada. In the US you can find a large people of population from several backgrounds it depends on the state. So it will not be fair to make US documents’ in Spanish as a well as English, because for example in Michigan there is a large population of Arabs in California there is a large population of Latin. However in Canada people talk two major languages French and English especially in Montreal. So I think that including another language to official documents in US would result in ignoring other ethnic groups.
1) The difference between Canada and the U.S. is that English and French are both the official languages of Canada, but here we have no official language. If we were to declare an official language, then documents would only need to be published in that language and this issue would be simpler. However, because a large part of our population speaks languages other than English, it would be unfair to limit government documents to being printed in English alone. At the same time, if we publish them in other languages, where do we draw the line? If Spanish is included there will then be calls for Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, etc. So I'm still undecided on this issue, I don't think it should be limited to English alone, but it would be difficult to include translations for many different languages.
3) The easiest way for libraries on small budgets to provide materials for the disabled would be to do so through inter-library loan. Obviously it's not ideal because a wait would be involved for the handicapped. But while the inter-library loan program was running the library could slowly collect materials to form its own collection. They may also look for donations from the community and bargain materials being sold by other libraries updating their collections. The information most in demand from disabled patrons should be priority. Libraries are responsible for providing information to everyone, and to neglect those who are handicapped would be a form of discrimination.
Canada's information policy requires all federal documents be published in both French and English. Should all U.S. documents be required to be published in other languages, Spanish for example?
I think almost everything I see now is published in Spanish. Usually all directions have a spanish version. I do think that it is important that we publish things in another language besides english.
If America is a melting pot, should we mandate the promotion of other cultures and highlight the differences in people through an enforced Multiculturalism information policy? Or should we adopt a policy similar to Canada’s Multiculturalism information policy? Do we need an official Multiculturalism policy at all?
I think that it would be important to have a official Multiculturalism policy. The U.S. is becoming so diverse that it would not hurt to have one and help everyone out.
How might cash-strapped libraries provide people with special needs access to information? What information should be a priority? How great a role should libraries play in access to information for people with special needs?
I know at the library I work at we have many special needs patrons who take full advantage of our movies and computer games and program and C.D.'s. I think that it is important for the library to be special needs prepared.
3) How might cash-strapped libraries provide people with special needs access to information? What information should be a priority? How great a role should libraries play in access to information for people with special needs?
I think that inter-library loan is a great solution to this problem. People might have to wait longer for materials, but they would have access to the information in the end. My sister has used these services before and she would always have to wait to have the tapes sent to her in the mail, but in the end it was worth the wait. It helped her to be able to read the books and do her assignments with the same ease as anyone else.
The information that these people are looking for should be the biggest priority of information. This may differ depending on the number of people using these services and what they want to access. If the people using these services in your community want fiction, perhaps this is where collection development needs to focus. I think this will differ with each library.
I think libraries should be the first place that people with special needs look for information. Where else would they go? Libraries are supposed to provide information access to all people, which includes those with special needs. There should be no question that the library is the first place that people should look for information.
I think it would be wonderful to publish documents in more than one language. I think Spanish would be the most likely choice for a second language considering the amount of people that speak Spanish in the U.S. The United States is supposed to be a place where all people are welcome but I feel that sadly, we are moving away from that ideal. Publishing documents in multiple languages would be a small step we could take to welcoming people of different cultures/backgrounds.
I think the problem with implementing a dual language federal document program is that it encourages groups of people to withdraw from the rest of the English speaking population. In Canada there are two languages, that is not the case in the United States. Would we then force judges and juries and lawyers to be bilingual? What about police officers and teachers? Then we would have to change all the road signs to be understood by all. And what about the non English, non Spanish speakers? By not speaking English in America you effectively remove yourself from being able to appropriately take part in our public schools or elections. A rather dated but still good piece on the topic is:
http://openvault.wgbh.org/saybrother/MLA000936/index.html
I think it's great that everyone is concerned and thinking about the way languages affect the individual's understanding, as well as our society at large.
I agree that requiring Govdocs to be printed in both English and Spanish here in the U.S. is a bit extreme, however catering to the specific demands in your area is most critical. Therefore, if you work in a predominantly Spanish-speaking community- your library's collection should adequately reflect that. When I worked at Ann Arbor District Library, I was always really impressed with their eclectic foreign language collection, all of which was always in constant circulation.
I also like the idea of hiring a diverse staff that could better serve the community needs, even if that person has a basic level understanding of another language, or is able to sign at events ( I really like this idea).
I agree with the others who pointed to putting a stronger emphasis on foreign languages in early education, especially with the rapid growth of Spanish-speakers in this country. I think citizens of the future will need the fundamental ability to communicate in languages besides english, not to mention it promotes and solidifies the importance of diversity and multiculturalim early on.
1. Should all U.S. documents be required to be published in other languages, Spanish for example?
I agree with many of the other comments about the lack of national language in the US. The fact that the US is a giant mix of races and nationalities would make it difficult to choose which other language we should publish these documents in. I totally agree with James on the idea of publishing library signs and selected materials in a second language that is present within the local community.
2. If America is a melting pot, should we mandate the promotion of other cultures and highlight the differences in people through an enforced Multiculturalism information policy? Or should we adopt a policy similar to Canada’s Multiculturalism information policy? Do we need an official Multiculturalism policy at all?
An enforced policy sounds very rigid, when were dealing with issues that are never clear cut. An enforced policy feels like we are forcing people to accept diversity. I believe that when people are forced to do something then they end up rejecting it or they simply conform without really caring. Diversity and multiculturalism should be something that people celebrate not resent. I
How might cash-strapped libraries provide people with special needs access to information? What information should be a priority? How great a role should libraries play in access to information for people with special needs?
I think the best way to accomplish this would be by inter-library loan. If the library is cash strapped most likely they do not have the cash to buy books on tape, materials in different languages, etc. Being able to order materials from other libraries would be a great addition to a library system if the system couldn't meet the needs of it's patrons. Also offering braille books or audio tapes for blind patrons would be another good addition to a library.
1. I really don’t think it would be practical to have US documents to be printed in multiple languages. Canada’s situation is a bit different from the US as it has two official languages. As such, it makes sense that Canada would require documents to be in both languages. The US, on the other hand, doesn’t have an official language. Traditionally, English has been used for official documents and is our de facto national language. I don’t see any reason for changing that.
Just giving a little food for thought. You examined people with disabilities in your original blog:
The equal access to information for people with disabilities is covered in the U.S. by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the ALA dictates that “Libraries must not discriminate against individuals with disabilities and shall ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to library resources.” The most obvious is the need for barrier free physical access to the information, but it also requires information be accessible in alternative non-visual media for people with impaired vision and visual captioning of images for people with impaired hearing."
I have seen several case studies where people were offended by people with mental disabilities and wanted them removed from the library.
Some of the reasons were valid, stating that the mentally challenged people were loud and disturbing. Some were less sensitive stating that some of the people had a very bad odor or they had an unclean appearance in general.
What accomadations should be made for people with mental disabilities?
I think that maybe there should be an area in the library where they can gather without having to be silent.
I found question 2 to be a thought-provoking one. It mirrors many discussions I can recall from U-M's School of Ed and I am still puzzled by the different viewpoints on this topic.
Multiculturalism, I believe, it not an end in and of itself. It is a means to accomplish better things. If publishing documents in Spanish helps more people participate in democracy, for example, then it is a good thing. However, I think that the "cultural mosaic" needs to be more than just coexistence of different people. Multiculturalism isn't just about being different; it's about cooperation, tolerance, and compassion. We don't necessarily need to "highlight" the differences between people to accomplish this, in my opinion. If discussing differences furthers these ends, it is good, but it is neutral in and of itself.
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