September 20, 2008
Subject headings for Spanish language materials
In her article, “Subject Access to Fiction: a Case Study Based on the Works of Pat Mora”, by Elaine Yontz, the author discusses the lack of effective subject headings to relate the presences (or absence, in some cases) of Spanish Language materials in public libraries. Yontz states that after searching a number of nationally recognized databases used by libraries in the United States there is no one single subject heading that librarians can use to signify appropriate materials for the Spanish speaking audience.
Library of Congress identifies two subject headings that may be the most effective, if used consistently;
Hispanic-Americans, and
Spanish Language Materials.
But again, cataloging librarians have to use these subject headings diligently, if they are to be an effective tool for material identification and location.
Yontz makes a strong argument for the appropriate use of subject headings for these kinds of materials. She even suggests the use of 690’s (local subject headings) that can be used by individual libraries to identify collections by using terms that may be better suited for their collections, and their populations. But is that really enough?
Will a non-English speaking customer, who may not be comfortable asking for assistance, know to search for “Spanish Language Materials” on his library catalog? Even if every single book in this collection has this subject heading, what good will it do if Spanish speakers are not familiar with this terminology?
I’m not especially keen on the idea of adding subject headings in Spanish. That would be a huge project. But there has to be a way for native Spanish speakers to find the materials they are looking for, without asking a librarian.
Tagging would allow library users to identify and locate the materials they seek, using the terminology they are most familiar and comfortable with. While most libraries are not set up to allow tagging, some LIS systems do make it available. In my mind, this is the most comprehensive solution to this problem.
Public responsibility and Spanish Language Materials
The article, “Spanish Spoken Here”, by Todd Douglas Quesada, published in the journal, American Libraries, the November 2007 issue discusses the frightening trend being imposed on many public libraries across the United States. Their governing boards are demanding that books in Spanish be eliminated from their collections.
Why would anyone want to do that?
Quesada states that because of current political trends and problems with illegal immigration, library board members maybe responding to community pressures by eliminating books in Spanish because of the fear that taxpayer funds are being used to support illegal immigrants.
In the article, the author provides strong arguments for why this horrendous idea will only cause greater problems for libraries and communities. Quesada states first, that eliminating an entire collection of materials is contrary to the American Library Associations code of ethics. The ALA code of ethicsexpects all libaries to respond in an ethical manner and the first code listed is:
I. We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and curteous responses to all requests.
In communities across the country Spanish speaking populations are on the rise. Yes, some of them are illegal immigrants, but the vast majority have jobs and pay taxes. Many are legal US citizens who have completed all requirements for naturalization. It would be unethical to deny these persons access to the kinds of materials they seek at their public library.
Public libraries should strive to be a place where people from all walks of life can gather together and feel part of a community. By providing a wide variety of materials that will appeal to all members of the community, the library will promote the inclusive atmosphere that is outlined by the ALA code of ethics.
Authority control.. what is it good for?
Having read the article, “Got Authorities? Why Authority Control is Good for your Library”, by Kathleen L. Wells, I am reminded of a recent account that occurred at my library.
One of our collection development librarians got an e-mail from an angry patron who was unable to locate any books on “crochet” in our online database. The user stated that she searched both in subject browse and subject keywords, and was unable to locate a single book on this subject. She was further exasperated when she did a search on the keyword “knitting” and found more than 400 available titles to choose from.
The collection development librarian approached me (a cataloger) and asked why a subject search for the word “crochet” did not list any of the many books she knows she has ordered on the topic. The answer is simple if you are familiar with the Library of Congress Subject Headings. The correct search term is “crocheting”.
One might think that searching for crocheting would be obvious. After all, you don’t search for “knit” do you? But there was nothing in the online database that could point this customer in the right direction, and the fact that this user was accessing the catalog from her home computer meant that she didn’t have many opportunities to ask for help. Even doing a title keyword search on “crochet” yielded only a few results.
To resolve this issues I added a “see” entry for the word “crochet” that would direct users to the appropriate subject heading, “crocheting”. While there are some problems with this approach I think it is the best effort I can make as a cataloger who faces the limitations of my library’s LIS. And hopefully in the future, other users will be able to find the crocheting materials they are seeking.
While working in SMA, my fellow library students and I will be doing a great deal of authority work. Authorities can be a challenge, but they can also provide some of the greatest services to library users.
As Ms. Wells indicated in her article, this is why authority work is so necessary. In a time when its easier to search Google and Amazon.com, libraries must make sure that their databases are clean and efficient and that they deliver the information users want, when they need it.
September 3, 2008
Mexico or bust.
40 Day countdown!
This blog will give insight to my upcoming trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. I will be traveling with eight other library school students. During this trip we will work in a biblioteca publica for seven days. Our work will include cataloging and collection development. In preparation for this excursion we have been assigned readings from Serving Latino Communities, by Camila Alire and Orlando Archibeque, along with a number of journal articles. Upcoming posts will provide reflection for how these readings may influence the philosophies and service methodologies practiced during our stay in SMA.
I am excited to have been given the opportunity to put into practice the skills and experiences I have acquired during the last two years as a canadidate for a Master of Library Science degree. I know this experience will help me build a strong service foundation as a library professional.
San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful colonial town in the mountains of Mexico. The temperature stays around 76 degrees all year long. A large number of American and Canadian expatriates reside in SMA, and tourism is on the rise. In the center of town is the Jardin. It is bordered by a huge pink church, Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, built in 1683. It looks like a pretty big deal, and I can’t wait to see it in person!
By PhotoDevWest
The Traveling Librarian 