Type of Presentation

Individual paper/presentation (20 minute presentation)

Target Audience

Higher Education

Location

Room 1002

Abstract

Librarians are uniquely situated to assist English language learners, not only in the workplace, but in our communities. The presenter of this session works with international patrons and volunteers with organizations that serve immigrant and refugee communities in Atlanta, Georgia. Training in library instruction and research consultation has aided them their interactions with non-native English speakers as they learn a new language and adapt to life in the United States. During this session, participants will see how the strategies we use every day to assess patrons’ information needs and present information in an accessible and adaptable way can be particularly valuable for English language learners.

Presentation Description

Librarians are uniquely situated to assist English language learners, not only in the workplace, but in our communities. The strategies we use every day to assess patrons’ information needs and present information in an accessible and adaptable way are particularly valuable for serving this demographic. This session will demonstrate how participants can translate their professional skills to volunteer efforts and give advice on finding volunteer opportunities.

Keywords

English language learners, volunteering, community service, international patrons

Publication Type and Release Option

Presentation (Open Access)

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Sep 28th, 1:25 PM Sep 28th, 1:45 PM

MLIS and ESL, How Librarians Can Serve English Language Learners

Room 1002

Librarians are uniquely situated to assist English language learners, not only in the workplace, but in our communities. The presenter of this session works with international patrons and volunteers with organizations that serve immigrant and refugee communities in Atlanta, Georgia. Training in library instruction and research consultation has aided them their interactions with non-native English speakers as they learn a new language and adapt to life in the United States. During this session, participants will see how the strategies we use every day to assess patrons’ information needs and present information in an accessible and adaptable way can be particularly valuable for English language learners.