ERIC Number: EJ900972
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 2
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2166-160X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Welcoming America's Newest Immigrants: Providing Access to Resources and Services for English Language Learners
Adams, Helen R.
School Library Monthly, v27 n1 p50-51 Sep-Oct 2010
America has always been a nation of immigrants, and many school libraries serve students whose first language is not English. In AASL's 2009 "School Libraries Count! Survey," 14% of the 5,824 respondents reported a student population with 25% or more English language learners. Yet 91% reported that less than 5% of their collections are in a language other than English. Unfortunately 36% reported they used no special strategies to serve their ESL student populations (American Association of School Librarians 2009). This lack of resources and services tailored to English language learners (ELL) impact the students' First Amendment right to receive information in a school library. "Access to Resources and Services in the School Library Media Program: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights" points out the responsibility of school librarians in this area stating, "Schools serving communities in which other languages are used make efforts to accommodate the needs of students for whom English is a second language." Supporting ELL's academic achievement requires analyzing school library resources and services from the perspective of the ELL student. This article offers some practical ideas shared by school librarians working with ELL students.
Descriptors: Second Language Learning, School Libraries, Immigrants, Access to Information, English (Second Language), Library Materials, Library Services, Limited English Speaking, Academic Achievement, Library Role
Libraries Unlimited. Subscription Department, 88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881. Tel: 888-371-0152; Fax: 203-454-8662; Web site: http://www.schoollibrarymedia.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Bill of Rights; First Amendment
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A