As our world continues to change and evolve it is important for libraries to seek out resources to serve our diverse communities. It can be hard to know where to begin with such a vast and important topic. If you are unsure of how to get started, ALSC has you covered!
A link on ALSC’s home page sends you to a Google Doc entitled “ALSC Supporting Libraries in Today’s Changing Environment.” The document includes book and media lists, resources for media literacy, resources for at-risk communities, archived programs, grassroots organizing and mobilizing, online courses and webinars, organizing guides, organizing newsletters, community-based organizations with national reach, the 2018 ALSC Emerging Leaders project, and statements and position papers.
Looking for books for a “hope and inspiration” storytime or information on how to better serve LGBTQ families and children? The resource list has you covered. What about a list of tips to help identify fake news? It’s there, too!
Understanding how to best serve our communities is an ongoing process. The least we can do as librarians and library workers is to seek out the best resources for our patrons.
This post addresses the following ALSC Core Competencies: I. Commitment to Client Group, II. Reference and User Services, V. Outreach and Advocacy
Cassie Chenoweth, Children’s Librarian at Orange Beach Public Library in Orange Beach, Alabama, is writing this post on behalf of the Public Awareness Committee. She can be reached at cchenoweth@orangebeachal.gov