Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Latinos in Libraries, Museums, and Archives: Cultural Competence in Action! an Asset-Based Approach

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. Review 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.--CHOICE Latinos in Libraries, Museums, and Archives.... is a worthwhile contribution to the professional literature. It is heavily footnoted and includes many citations to relevant content. The authors make a convincing case for cultural competence in libraries, archives, and museums. Our strong history of service to all draws us in this direction anyway, although individuals should examine their own biases to better understand others. All of us will benefit from this thoughtful analysis of how we can serve Latinos better.--Information Today This book is a must-read for library and information science (LIS) professionals because it presents a practical approach to an issue of great significance today: underrepresentation of and discrimination against Latinos in the United States and the power of libraries, archives, and museums (LAMs) to improve their situation. The two major contributions of this book, are, first, the layout of a solid, conceptual framework-an asset-based approach to cultural competence - and second, the listing of numerous resources to understand, acquire, and practice cultural competence at U.S. LAM institutions.--The American Archivist Educational and cultural institutions across the nation are striving for relevance and responsiveness to communities during a time of unprecedented technological, social and cultural transformation. The Latino community, now the largest demographic minority in the country cannot be overlooked as part of this sea change. Latinos in Libraries, Museums, and Archives: Cultural Competency in Action, An Asset-Based Approach offers a compelling and progressive call to action to improve services and decrease disparities in meeting the needs of Latinos. The book rightly asserts that we have an obligation to develop cultural competencies and demonstrate leadership in policies and practices that impact recruitment, services and programs for Latinos. Through an impressive and in-depth assessment of Latinos in libraries, museums, archives a