Scholarly Review #2

“Cultural knowledge is also developed through personal encounters with members from diverse groups.”

Overall, P.M. (2009). Cultural competence: A conceptual framework for library and information science professionals. Library Quarterly, 79 (2) 175-204.

In this article on cultural competence, the author points out the need for the librarians to learn about other cultures through interactions.  Though those studying library science may make a point to research other cultures through various materials, there is much to be said for personal contact.  Often, it is through meeting members of different cultures when stereotypes are shattered and questions can be answered.

                Though the diversity of the population continues to increase, there are those who maintain a fairly homogenous network when it comes to their social, and sometimes professional, interactions.  This does not just hold true for members of the majority culture, but minority members engage in this activity as well.  A report by the American Library Association (2006) indicated that minorities make up 11 percent of the librarian workforce compared to 25 percent of the U.S. population.  This data indicates that the chance of mingling professionally with people from different cultural backgrounds is unlikely in a lot of libraries even if the patron population is very diverse.  Therefore, librarians must make an effort to embrace others from different cultures.

Though it may go beyond the call of duty for many librarians, participation in local cultural organizations could provide a formal network that leads to the beginning of true cultural understanding.  Many times, librarians may find themselves encountering an organization with similar goals and objectives.  That, in turn, could lead to fruitful, effective partnerships that could truly benefit not only that particular culture, but the community as a whole.  For instance, the librarian could conduct presentations on the library’s services to the organizations.  Another example is the organization providing input whenever the library creates programming to insure that it is as inclusive as possible. 

However, it should be noted that an immeasurable education could also be derived from cultivating relationships with members of various cultural communities who hold no titles, particularly patrons.  In cities large and small, there are often “local historians” of diverse backgrounds who are typically older natives to the area and open to imparting their wisdom on history and social customs.   However, as generation gaps widen through the use of technology and the changing of ideologies, it is also beneficial to make a point to interact with younger people in cultural groups as well.  Such informal relationships with persons from other cultures, from my experience, often provide the most candid lessons that cannot be found in any textbook.  However, these relationships usually require an investment of one’s time and a willingness to share one’s similar experiences with community members and patrons.  This is needed to build trust as once similarities are determined then it becomes easier to discuss differences.  However, once established, the relationship can prove important into gaining a deeper comprehension of other cultures.  At times, these interactions may also lead to unpleasant findings of perceptions of the minority culture as well as the majority culture.  This frank discussion also allows librarians to have a confidant which they can ask questions.  However, they can also be productive and provide insight into needed programs which may have yet to be studied or considered.

Library service goes beyond the walls of the structure which houses the materials and the services.  Whether it is an academic library or a public library, libraries serve communities growing in diversity.  This can be a challenge, but it can also provide an opportunity for librarians to dialogue with community members and better their services.  It could also introduce members of other cultures to the profession that is librarianship which could possibly lead to an interest in the profession.  Reaching out to the various factions in a community displays a library’s true commitment to diversity and access to all.

American Library Association.  (2006).  Diversity Counts. Retrieved from  http://www.ala.org/ala/diversity/spectrum / spectrum.htm