Presentation made during the 6th Library Congress Leipzig hosted by the German Library Association, March 2016.

1. 6th Library Congresss Leipzig 2016
Saving Lives: Library Services to Diverse Populations
Loida Garcia-Febo
IFLA Governing Board Member
ALA Executive Board Member

2. Hallo Liebe Bibliothekarinnen
und Bibliothekare!

3. Greetings from Information New Wave

4. Average annual rate of change of international migrants,
2000-2013 (percentage)

5. International migrants by major area, 1999, 2000, 2013

6. Ten countries with the largest number of international migrants,
1990, 2000 and 2013 (millions)

8. http://www.unhcr.org/509a836e9.html
United Nations
Convention relating to
the Status of Refugees.
Articulo 1. 1951

9. http://www.unhcr.org/556725e69.html#_ga=1.126660366.2082244717.1441905339
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

10. Refugees by major area, 2013 (millions)
In 2013, the total number of refugees in the
world was estimated at 15.7 million, representing
about seven per cent of all international migrants.

11. http://data.unhcr.org/mediterranean/regional.php
February 2016

12. http://www.unhcr.org/56cf172b6.html
Children and
Family
Protection Support Hubs
Opportunity for Libraries

13. Article 19.
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion
and expression; this right includes freedom to
hold opinions without interference and
to seek, receive and impart
information
and ideas through any media and regardless of
frontiers.

14. Access to Information
Target 16.10: “Ensure public
access to information and protect
fundamental freedoms, in
accordance with national
legislation and international
agreements”
Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
for sustainable development, provide access to
justice for all and build effective, accountable and
inclusive institutions at all levels

15. IFLA/UNESCO Multicultural Library Manifesto
Principles
Each individual in our global society has the right to a full range of library and information
services. In addressing cultural and linguistic diversity, libraries should:
• serve all members of the community without discrimination
based on cultural and linguistic heritage;
• provide information in appropriate languages and scripts;
• give access to a broad range of materials and services reflecting
all communities and needs;
• employ staff to reflect the diversity of the community, who are
trained to work with and serve diverse communities. http://www.ifla.org/node/8976

16. IFLA/UNESCO Multicultural Library Manifesto
Principles
Library and information services in a culturally and linguistically
diverse context include both the provision of services to all types of
library users and the provision of library services specifically targeted
to underserved cultural and linguistic groups. Special attention should
be paid to groups which are often marginalized in culturally diverse
societies: minorities, asylum seekers and refugees, residents with a
temporary residence permit, migrant workers, and indigenous
communities. http://www.ifla.org/node/8976

17. Lassen Sie uns zusammenarbeiten!

18. Loida Garcia-Febo research:
Public Libraries serving Immigrants and Refugees

19. Immigrants
Mexico China Vietnam Haiti India Pakistan
Loida Garcia-Febo research:
Public Libraries serving Immigrants and Refugees

20. Refugees
Cuba Iraq Syria Buthan/Nepal Colombia Haiti Mexico
Loida Garcia-Febo research:
Public Libraries serving Immigrants and Refugees

21. Services Provided to Immigrants & Refugees
• Classes to learn English
• Weekly conversation clubs in different languages
• Pre-GED and GED
• Orientation to their new country
• Classes to guide professional adults
• Panel discussions, e.g. This Muslim-American Life
• Cultural Salons including books, food and cultural exchanges
• Film or Book Series
Loida Garcia-Febo research:
Public Libraries serving Immigrants and Refugees

23. Top Three Topics:
• English classes
• Life skills programs
• Cultural programs
• Technology workshops
• Citizenship*
• Job skills*
Loida Garcia-Febo research:
Public Libraries serving Immigrants and Refugees

28. Which services are more popular: in-person visiting
the library or online.
In-person.
Loida Garcia-Febo research:
Public Libraries serving Immigrants and Refugees

29. Partners
• Government agencies
• Community based organizations
• Consulates
• Foundations
• Private corporations
• Religious organizations
• Individuals
• Local media
Loida Garcia-Febo research:
Public Libraries serving Immigrants and Refugees

30. Initial Recommendations Based on
Early Research Results
• Develop services within the top areas of interest: English Classes for
Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Life skills programs, Cultural
programs, Technology workshops, Job skills
• Provide services in high demand: Classes to learn English, guidance to
professional adults, orientation to new city/country, cultural
exchanges
• Partner with: private and public agencies, community based
organizations, consulates, foundations, religious, individuals, local
media, library associations

31. Library Services to Immigrants and Refugees
• Free Online Event: March 31, 2016
Presented by: IFLA and ALA
Continuing Professional Development and
Workplace Learning
& New Professionals SIG
More information: https://npsig.wordpress.com/

32. Lassen Sie uns zusammenarbeiten!

33. Each Librarian,
An Advocate!

34. Save the World

35. Library Services to Diverse Populations
Loida Garcia-Febo
IFLA Governing Board Member
President, Information New Wave
http://loidagarciafebo.com
@loidagarciafebo
Dankeshön!