Bridge Building, Intersectionality and Inclusion

Poster Session

Caught in the Middle: Examining the Role of Libraries and Librarians in Supporting Language and Cultural Brokers

Poster Presenter(s)

• 

  Sheila Garcia, MLIS

  Resident Librarian
  Unviersity of Michigan
• EB

  Eileen Bosch, MLIS, MEd

  Coord of Library Instruction & Chair of Library Teaching and Learning
  Bowling Green State University
• 

  Valeria Molteni, MSIS

  Dean of Library Services
  Menlo College
• 

  Johana Orellana, MLIS

  Adult Services Librarian
  North Richland Hills Library

Language and cultural brokers translate and relay information from the dominant language and culture to that of another language and culture. Traditionally, children have filled this role, becoming the spokesperson for their families as they learn the dominant language faster than their parents. This panel of four librarians will present an adult viewpoint of the emotional toll that language and cultural brokering has had on their lives and their work within public and academic libraries. Using the role of familismo and filial piety that keeps children in their role as brokers, this panel will discuss how to better inform brokers; how information is obtained and disseminated among immigrant communities; and how to develop practical skills and tools to better serve as librarian language/cultural brokers.

Learning Objectives:

• Upon completion, participants will be able to assemble practical resources to help language and cultural brokers convey accurate information.
• Upon completion, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of language and cultural brokering through a hands on activity.
• Upon completion, participants will be able to describe the role of language and cultural brokers in immigrant and library communities.