Guidelines for Library Services to Spanish-Speaking Library Users

4.3 Signage

4.3.1 Display bilingual signs prominently and visibly. Display a “welcome” sign at the entrance in Spanish. Pay attention to the particular dialect of Spanish used so that the wording, phraseology, and connotation of the language conform to the cultures of the community

4.3.2 Use international, non-verbal symbols whenever possible, such as the symbol for “information.”

4.4 Collection Placement

4.4.1 When space is allocated within existing structures, make collections both visible and accessible to patrons as they enter the library.

4.5 Access

4.5.1 Create bilingual or Spanish translations of library literature that assist in accessing the library and its collections. Examples include: welcome brochures, library maps, guides to using the library, and lists of library resources. Allow Spanish-speaking users to provide input before materials are disseminated. Distribute this library literature to local organizations that serve the Spanish-speaking in your community.

Revised in 2006 by the Library Services to the Spanish-Speaking Committee, Reference Services Section of the Reference and User Services Association, American Library Association. (Originally adopted by the Reference and Adult Services Division Board of Directors, January 1988.) Approved by the RUSA Board of Directors, January 2007.

Appendix

Persons of Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino origin or descent are those who classified themselves in one of the specific Hispanic or Latino categories listed on the Census 2000 or American Community Survey questionnaire. Categories listed on the 2000 questionnaire include, Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban or other Spanish/Hispanic/Latino group. According to the U.S. Census Glossary, the definition also extends to “people whose origins are from Spain, the Spanish-speaking countries of Central or South America, the Caribbean, or those identifying themselves generally as Spanish, Spanish-American, etc.” (Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, “American FactFinder Glossary,” www.census.gov [accessed Jan. 23, 2006]).

Origin can be viewed as the ancestry, nationality group, lineage, or country of birth of the person or the person’s parents or ancestors before their arrival in the United States. Persons who identify themselves as Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino origin may be of any race. (Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, “American FactFinder Glossary,” www.census.gov [accessed Jan. 23, 2006]).

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