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Understand global perspectives on effective information practices that are
Understand global perspectives on effective information practices that are
supportive of cultural, economic, educational, or social well-being.
supportive of cultural, economic, educational, or social well-being.
Introduction
Introduction
“Diversity is ever present and increasing in our society, and libraries should be able to meet their communities where they are, instead of offering a prepared slate of services and resources deemed suitable for them” (Cooke, 2017, p. 1).
Libraries and other information institutions sit at the heart of communities. Despite the differences in nationality, ethnicity, and cultural background, the needs of the people are at the center of information institutions and their missions. With the expansion of globalization and the increased diversity of our communities, it’s become more important than ever to understand the various perspectives that exist and the role that information institutions play as community anchors in supporting the cultural, economic, educational, and social well-being of the community members and customers.
Explication
Explication
Cultural Competence & Intercultural Communication
Cultural Competence & Intercultural Communication
Effectively serving the needs of our communities requires information professionals to understand the part that culture plays in users’ needs and the challenges that may arise due to the lack of cultural awareness and competence. Cultural competence is defined as
A congruent set of behaviors, attitudes, and policies that enable a person or group to work effectively in cross-cultural situations; the process by which individuals and systems respond respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and other diversity factors in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals, families, and communities and protects and preserves the dignity of each. (National Association of Social Workers, 2001, as cited in ALA, 2018)
By developing cultural competence, information professionals can better form strategies that enhance library programs, services, and resources, ensuring that all community members and users have equal, equitable, and quality access and satisfy their informational and social needs.
Intercultural communication is also integral to serving diverse, global communities. Culture plays a key role in how people communicate. In situations where there is cross-cultural communication, messages can often be misinterpreted. This makes it essential for information professionals to possess Intercultural communication knowledge and skills that “are pertinent to effectively solving problems, managing conflicts, developing positive relationship rapport, and forging creative global visions” (Ting-Toomey & Dorjee, 2019, p. 5). “As information-related products and services drive the increasingly global and interrelated economy, partnerships and collaborations across the world are progressively more common and necessary” (Albright, 2022, p. 509). Intercultural communication skills are needed to aid in effectively communicating with others of different cultural backgrounds and ensure that barriers to information and services are dismantled and needs can be adequately met.
Economic & Educational Development
Economic & Educational Development
It has been long understood that there is a direct connection between the educational levels of citizens and the economy. Studies have shown that the quality of education (how much knowledge and skills students gain) strongly affects economic growth for both developed and developing countries (Hanushek & Wößmann, 2010). Education and access to information are the tools that allow people to become empowered and improve their lives and their communities. “Without education, including access to information and the knowledge of how to use it, people will become second-class global citizens” (Ford, 2018, p. 270). Information institutions and professionals play an integral role in “leveling the playing field” by bridging gaps in knowledge, promoting lifelong learning, and providing the resources and tools needed to succeed. For example, many of the programs and services in public libraries are targeted toward improving literacy, learning new skills, and improving job and career opportunities. These services are not just limited to immediate communities and regions. With modern technology and existing and emerging communication tools, information institutions are able to provide access to information, knowledge, and education worldwide.
Social Well-being
Social Well-being
Information institutions and professionals are no longer limited to just serving their community members’ information, reference, and educational needs. With the changes that occur within the community and society as a whole, institutions and professionals need to evolve and adapt to continually meet the changing needs (Abram, 2022). Many public libraries are now functioning as community hubs that provide a space to bring people together and address conditions that affect their members’ overall well-being. In many communities, some members are vulnerable and at-risk. Libraries have the ability to connect those at-risk members to much-needed services (Kennedy, 2016). Some of these services include housing, health care, navigating social services, access to internet connections, and other basic needs that are often taken for granted.
Evidence
Evidence
For this blog post, I discussed all the factors that affect access to information in global communities and the significant impact that libraries have on these communities. In many areas in the country and the world, lack of access to information is a serious issue and can be a result of various factors such as socioeconomic, geographical, political, and so on. Information and knowledge are power. Information institutions and professional practices give people the ability and opportunity to improve and change their lives. An example that I cited from one of the module readings discussed how farmers in Uganda were negatively impacted by the lack of access to modern farming techniques. Public libraries empowered them and dismantled the barriers to information access to life-saving knowledge.
For this essay in INFO 232, I wrote about all the different ways libraries nationally and internationally changed their programs and services to better support their communities, especially their at-risk community members, by bridging gaps in services and information needs. Some examples include providing health and social services, advocating for human rights and social justice, and improving education and literacy with the help of new programs, technology, and e-Learning. One of the examples that really stood out to me is the education of girls in India. While education was made available to girls starting in 2009, many had to drop out in order to help their families. The Community Libraries and Resource Centres established in the 107 villages in India provide girls and women with various literacy and trade skills, resulting in their ability to find better-paying jobs.
In INFO 281, I learned about culture’s impact on how libraries need to serve diverse communities. Two of the major concepts that were covered were cultural competence and intercultural communication. The lack of awareness in regard to cultural differences can often result in insufficient programs and services and establish barriers. For my final project, I referred to the GARE (Government Alliance for Race & Equity) Racial Equity Action Plans: A How-to Manual to create an action plan guide that defines the culture, identifies cultural barriers, discusses the importance of cultural competence and intercultural communication, and provides examples of key community needs, priorities, and action steps that may be employed to achieve certain goals – topics that are critical for information professionals to holistically support our ever-growing diverse communities.
Conclusion
Conclusion
The impact of Information institutions and professionals on the lives of their community members is tremendous. Because of this, they have a responsibility and the power to provide equal, equitable, and quality access to programs, services, and resources that fulfill people’s informational and social needs. As our communities change and become more diverse and our societies become more globally interconnected, so do the needs of our community members. To adequately respond to and anticipate these changes, it is essential that information professionals understand diverse perspectives, evolve, and adapt to continue providing effective services, improving lives, strengthening communities, and building cross-cultural relationships.
References
References
Abram, S. (2022). The transformative information landscape. In S. Hirsh (Ed.), Information services today: An introduction
(3rd ed., pp. 27–37). Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
Albright, K. (2022). Leadership skills for today’s global information landscape. In S. Hirsh (Ed.), Information services
today: An introduction (3rd ed., pp. 501–512). Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. ENGL/MUSC/TA/CA.
American Library Association (ALA). (2018, March 9). Diversity standards: Cultural competency for academic libraries
(2012). Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL). https://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/diversity
Cooke, N. (2017). Information services to diverse populations: Developing culturally competent library professionals. Santa
Barbara, CA: Libraries Limited.
Ford, B. J. (2018). LIS professionals in a global society. In K. Haycock & M. Romaniuk (Eds.), The portable MLIS (2nd ed.,
pp. 267–276). Libraries Unlimited.
Hanushek, E., & Wößmann, L. (2010). Education and economic growth. International encyclopedia of education, 245–252.
https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-08-044894-7.01227-6
Kennedy, M. (2016, November 10). Libraries can be a health lifeline for people most at risk. Reuters.
people-most-at-risk-idUSKBN1352OD
Ting-Toomey, S. & Dorjee, T. (2019) Communicating across cultures (2nd ed). New York: The Guilford Press.
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