Latinos in Libraries, Museums, and Archives

Cultural Competence in Action! An Asset-Based Approach

By (author) Patricia Montiel-Overall, Annabelle Villaescusa Nuñez, Verónica Reyes-Escudero

Paperback - £55.00

Publication date:

10 December 2015

Length of book:

310 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781442258501

Written by three experienced LIS professionals, Latinos in Libraries, Museums, and Archives demonstrates the meaning of cultural competence in the everyday work in libraries, archives, museums, and special collections with Latino populations. The authors focus on their areas of expertise including academic, school, public libraries, health sciences, archives, and special collections to show the importance of understanding how cultural competence effects the day-to-day communication, relationship building, and information provision with Latinos. They acknowledge the role of both tacit and explicit knowledge in their work, and discuss ways in which cultural competence is integral to successful delivery of services to, communication with, and relationship building with Latino communities.
In this welcome resource, the authors emphasize the strength and potential that cultural competence brings to the library and information science profession. The authors are attentive to the specific issues Latinos face, but similar points can be applied to other ethnic communities in understanding their relationship to libraries, museums, and archives. The asset-based model underscores a collaborative approach, identifying Latino communities and patrons as having assets instead of regarding them strictly as being in need or facing deficits—switching the focus altogether to identifying strengths, talents, and accomplishments. Using asset mapping as a salient strategy, LIS professionals can recognize cultural difference and become more aware of social inequities. This thorough, clearly written, well-researched guide will encourage not only professionals but also students in Chicano/Latino studies and education programs to think about the role of culture in institutions of knowledge, particularly within the growing US Latino population. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, professionals/practitioners.