T07: Language, community, and access: Service design for multilingual library users
Session Description
Generously sponsored by: Vancouver Island Regional Library
What are opportunities and challenges for libraries when serving multilingual communities? How can languages build community and support other kinds of learning, and what can other fields teach us about service design for multilingual populations? How does the dominance of English shape our practices in libraries, and how do language practices create barriers to library use, even unintentionally?
This session will address these and other questions while considering the intentionality of both public and academic library services as they relate to language. The speakers will synthesize research, professional knowledge, and personal experiences to talk about how we can both design services targeted to multilingual populations and build support for multilingualism into everyday offerings. In addition to sharing examples of current initiatives and ideas for the future, they will also offer creative exercises and discussions. These activities will get the design thinking process started through imagination and experimentation while focusing on principles and experiences for multilingual users. Ultimately, this interdisciplinary and interactive approach will give attendees more understanding of how language plays out in libraries and suggest techniques for service design that they can apply to their own practice.
Speakers
Estephania Solis, Unifor, Student at Langara
Biography
Estephania Solis is a Mexican-American temporary status holder, residing in Vancouver, BC, where she is currently studying Expressive Arts Therapy. She works with different forms of media making, often focusing on themes of social justice and human rights. She believes in the possibilities that we all have as human beings and takes a person-centered approach to the types of projects/work she has been involved in.
Julia Lane, Simon Fraser University, Student Learning Commons
Biography
Julia Lane is a Writing Services Associate with the Student Learning Commons at Simon Fraser University. In her professional capacity, Julia supports undergraduate students with their academic writing. Julia is a self-proclaimed and proud social justice warrior and is always looking for ways to better understand how the worlds of academics, writing, and libraries intersect with marginalization, alienation, and under-representation. She is committed to working to create change to address these intersections.
Ean Henninger, SFU Library, NVDPL, RPL
Biography
Ean is an early-career librarian currently straddling the public/academic divide. He has experience both teaching and learning other languages and has worked with language learners in libraries, public schools, universities, and more. His research interests include applied linguistics and labor issues in libraries.