System Analysis of Library and Information Services to the Spanish Speaking Community of the United States

This study focuses on factors contributing to the low level of effectiveness of library and information services to the Spanish speaking community as reported in the literature. It analyzes, using an open system approach, models developed by public and academic libraries to serve the Spanish speakin...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors Cabello-Argandona, Roberto, Haro, Roberto Peter
Format Report
LanguageEnglish
Published 1977
Subjects
Community Information Services
Libraries
Library Education
Library Services
Mexican Americans
Spanish Speaking
Systems Analysis
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Summary:This study focuses on factors contributing to the low level of effectiveness of library and information services to the Spanish speaking community as reported in the literature. It analyzes, using an open system approach, models developed by public and academic libraries to serve the Spanish speaking population. Problems contributing to the underdevelopment of effective library services are identified as: (1) lack of an adequate indexing system for resources by or about the Spanish speaking; (2) lack of statistical data on model programs; (3) underutilization of professional minority group members in libraries; (4) insignificant recruitment of Spanish speaking students into library schools; and (5) lack of participation by Spanish speaking users in collection development. Basic questions concerning underlying environmental factors must be re-formulated for changes to take place: Will systems and agents providing library services to the community be allowed to develop to their full potential? Will manpower be developed for a net positive improvement of library services to the Spanish speaking? Will libraries with special resources for Spanish speaking groups be allowed necessary time to publicize and develop services? The body of literature considering these problems has not had a clear impact on thinking, practice, or research. (Author/KP)