Library Service to Spanish Speaking Patrons

Book excerpt: If your library serves a Latino population, you'll want this book. It will help you better serve the needs of Spanish-speaking patrons of all ages. The author gives background information on various Hispanic groups, explaining some of the cultural differences that can lead to misunderstanding. She then offers a variety of program and collection building ideas. A list of distributors of Spanish-language materials-books, periodicals, AV materials, computer and other educational resources-is provided, as well as Web site addresses of Spanish-language sites. Vocabulary lists for library and computer-related words and phrases and guidelines for correctly writing Spanish words are also included.