Diversity and Cultural Competency in Rural Libraries

Rural libraries in Illinois have experienced significant increases in their minority populations, but often lack the financial and organizational resources to reach out to these new groups. The writers of this grant recognized the benefit of a coordinated approach to the challenge of serving these populations. The grant proposed to increase awareness of the unique cultures in their new immigrant communities and to plan new, collaborative models for service to them. Library staff from across the region participated in a wide range of activities designed to explore these cultures, develop cultural competencies, and celebrate the diversity represented in their library communities.

Full text of FY2005 Grant Application [pdf]
Full text of FY2006 Grant Application [pdf]

Extending beyond basic collection development, the proposal focused on creating dynamic programs and services with an emphasis on models to train library staff and library governing officials in providing service to diverse populations. The project imagines a future in which rural libraries have the knowledge and skills needed to extend library services to all the culturally diverse segments of their service areas, a future in which libraries are seen by their minority communities as knowledgeable and welcoming and culturally aware of their needs.

To contact us, please use the following methods.

Lincoln Trail Libraries System
1704 West Interstate Drive
Champaign IL  61822-1068
217.352.0047
fax 217.352.7153
www.lincolntrail.info
ltls@lincolntrail.info

 
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