Where Cultural and Information Literacy Meet: Serving Spanish-Speaking Library Users in Indiana

Abstract

The 2000 US Census Report shows a dramatic increase in the Latino population in the state of Indiana. From 1990 to 2000 this population grew from 1.8 to 3.5 percent. Drawing from the census report, as well as local studies, Robert Aponte, Associate Professor of Sociology from IUPUI, published an eye-opening statistical report on Latino growth trends in Indiana that makes a consequential statement for Indiana libraries: Latinos want to stay. The conventional image of the transitory migrant worker is being replaced by permanent residents who are becoming part of Indiana's diverse ethnic tapestry. Because the population in Indiana is changing, libraries need to adapt to this rapidly growing group of patrons. But who are the Latinos and what are their information needs? Fundamental to serving a Latino community is understanding that they are, especially in Indiana, an at-risk community. Why Indiana libraries should strive to serve this population is best expressed in the American Library Association's Final Report of the Presidential Committee on Information Literacy.