September 20, 2008
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.
The Traveling Librarian 
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