Youth services librarians in the United States face the challenge of serving a growing population of youth from diverse cultural backgrounds. In the 2014-2015 school year, youth of color are projected to make up the majority of students attending American public schools. In order to effectively serve these youth, librarians need to be culturally competent and have an understanding of culturally relevant pedagogy. This paper reports the findings of an exploratory study designed to explore the extent to which youth services librarians, both public and school, prioritize the need for cultural knowledge and awareness in developing effective programs and services for today’s youth.
This white paper emphasizes the importance of developing print and digital library collections that reflect cultural diversity, and details how librarians can promote cultural understanding through library programs that embody the diversity of their communities and the larger world.
A Regional Educational Laboratory Northwest developed guide for educators and school staff, describing naming conventions for select non-English names.
"It is crucial that we talk to our kids openly and honestly about race, that we give them the words and language to understand both the superficial outer differences between people, as well as the very real, lived differences that exist under the surface. We need to teach them to respect and value those differences as well as the many similarities that all people share."
"I want to invite you – my fellow educator, parents, guardians, and people who interact with youth on a daily basis – into a conversation about changing our education system."
"What will it mean in the long run if my white children don’t see and befriend people who come from different racial backgrounds? And are there steps I can take to instill racial sensitivity and acceptance in my kids despite the fact that they’re growing up in an ethnic bubble?
The good news is that the answer seems to be yes—there are things I can do to keep my kids from harboring racial prejudice. Namely, I can talk to them about race."
