The Literacy Resource Center in East Chicago Public Library. Audrey C. Robinson-Nkongola Info

Transcription

1 The Literacy Resource Center in East Chicago Public Library Audrey C. Robinson-Nkongola Info

2 Introduction East Chicago, Indiana s per capita income is $13,000. The unemployment rate of East Chicagoans over the age of 16 is 10% in (Census, n.d.). In 2003, 75% of East Chicagoans have low literacy skills (Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council, 2004). In 2008, 53.9% of East Chicago students graduated from high school ( Facts: Schools, n.d.). These facts are disturbing. East Chicago is on economic and academic decline. The decline will be cyclical unless this downward spiral is not halted. East Chicago Public Library (ECPL) is committed to assisting the community. One of the ways, ECPL can assist the community is by providing a literacy center in its facility. The purpose of the Literacy Resource Center is to help East Chicagoans improve reading and information literacy skills. The goals of Literacy Resource are to 1) increase information literacy in adults and high school students; 2) increase literacy or reading rates in school age children; and 3) increase computer literacy in adults who have who have limited or no computer skills. ECPL plans on accomplishing these goals by providing several programs that are cater to each of the goals. These programs are as follows: 1) provide workshops in searching the web and other sources; 2) a summer reading program for school age children; and 3) provide workshops on basic computer skills for adults. Before providing a rational for the spending on these programs, background information on the Literacy Resource Center will be provided. The Literacy Resource Center (LRC) at East Chicago Public Library grew out of need to serve the community. The librarians, board members, trustees, school teachers, and principals, as well as community members convened to discuss the low literacy rates in the community. They understood literacy in the 21 st century was not just about reading, but about information and computer literacy. Therefore, they brainstormed about ways to improve all three aspects of literacy in East Chicago. The Literacy Resource Center was developed. The LRC is a room in the library that contains books and media items on developing reading, information, and computer skills. In addition, the LRC has ten computers with Internet connections as well as the Microsoft Office 2007 package. Patrons can come into the LRC for assistance during normal library operating hours, 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday,

3 Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The next section will provide information on the importance of program as well as the rational for the allocation of cost for each item. Program 1: Information Literacy for high students and adults In order to rationalize the program for information literacy, an understanding of what information is a definition of the term is required. The term information literacy dates back to 1974, in which Zurkowski placed this idea in the context of a workplace to mean the ability to obtain economic and workplace goals, and the ability to use information to solve problems (qtd in Lloyd and Williamson, 2008). A current definition of information literacy is a person who can identify her own needs, find the appropriate information to meet those needs, and to evaluate the information s accuracy and currency. Why is it important for patrons to be taught information literacy? In the 21 st century, patrons are bombarded with information from every media outlet and device imaginable. They need to know how to discern what is relevant and accurate. This information literacy does not just entail searching library databases for information, although that is a part of it. East Chicagoans must be able to make informed decisions about their elected officials, the school board members, and loan applications for a second mortgage. The ECPL and the Literacy Resource Center are natural choices to help East Chicago residents to become information literate citizens. The detail budget for Program 1, Information Literacy Costs is in Appendix A. The $95,000 in the book and subscription column is for online databases. This annual fee is for ten databases, i.e. EbscoHost and LexisNexis at $9,500 each. Patrons will be able to access medical, legal, business, and health information. Some databases can be access at the patron s home by logging into the East Chicago library s website. Other databases can only be access inside the library. These databases are valuable resources to patrons, because they will be able to find reliable and accurate information. These databases and the workshops will help ECPL patrons make informed decisions concerning their lives and their community. The information

4 professional for the LRC will be maintaining databases and contacting vendors if a problem occurs with databases. Program 2 Understandably, summer reading loss or summer setback is a bigger for children from low-income families. Their reading achievement typically declines an average of three months between June and September, while that of typical middle-class students improves or remains the same. This means that a summer reading loss of three months accumulates to a crucial two-year gap by the time kids are in the middle school, even if their schools are equally effective. (McGill-Franzen-Allington). Summer setback can be avoided. School children in the East Chicago can have access to books through the library. The Summer Reading program will foster families to read with their children and promote literacy as well as lifelong learning in families. Five percent ($5,000) of the book will be given to families who read the most books. The rest of books ($45,000) will be added to the collection to support the program. Program 3 In the 21 st century, technology is a part of everyday life. The array of technology or computers affects every aspect of life, i.e. IPods, cell phones, unemployment claims, and, in some cases, employers expect candidates to fill out an application for employment on a kiosk. Therefore, to know how to operate a computer is essential. Unfortunately, many people who do not have the financial means to own a computer are locked out of many opportunities. In addition, if a person does not know how to operate a computer he/she may not be able to apply

5 for a job. With unemployment at 10% and the per capita income is $13,000, no one in East Chicago can afford to be denied employment due to lack of computer skills. Therefore, ECPL, as a public entity, can and should help patrons learn how to operate computers. The Basic Computers Program will help adults to learn how to operate a mouse, explain what an URL address is as well as teach basic formatting in Microsoft Office Word The computers in the LRC are equipped with Word Therefore, the amount of $6,000 for books and subscriptions are materials, such CDs that patrons can practice with once they have attended a workshop. In addition, the money will fund basic computer books and DVDs. The combination of these materials will help students to learn and recall what they have learned. See Appendix D for complete information concerning the cost of this program. New Services and Programs In keeping with the goals of Literacy Resource Center, the center s two new services propose to offer tutoring for reading and English speakers as Second Language (ESL) classes. These programs support the goals of literacy by helping adults and school age children with their reading. In addition, the ESL program helps non-english speakers with learning English and confidently communicating with others in the community in which they live. By providing these services, ECPL will be helping its citizens to become more literate as well as become a stronger community. Tutoring Program Tutoring program will be a part of the LRC. Therefore, the information professional will be the coordinator over the program. In addition, two part-time tutors, working twenty hours a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, will provide assistance in reading to patrons of the lab. One of the part-time employees will be a child development, English, or education work-study

6 from three local colleges, i.e. Ivy Tech Community, Indiana University Northwest, or Purdue Calumet to reduce salary costs. The full-time clerk will make appointments for the tutors as provide clerical assistance, such as photocopying, providing general information about the lab, and answering the phone calls for the lab when a tutor is not available. Since the lab will be located in the LRC. At this time, no additional space will be required. The tutoring lab will need books and audiovisual materials in order to facilitate and to retain the patrons reading skills. Tutoring Lab Program Budget Subscriptions/Books $ 6,000 Supplies Copier per book $ 1,800 Pencils $ 200 Pens $ 200 Salaries Information Professional $ 36,000 Part-time Tutor $ 7,540 Work-Study Part-time $ 7,540 Subtotal $ 51,740 Organizational 21% $ 10,865 Total $ 62,605 ESL (English as a Second Language) The ESL program will also be located in the LRC. Therefore, the information professional will be the coordinator over this program. In addition, two part-time employees will be needed to assist ESL patrons. Both of the part-time employees will be fluent in Spanish and English. One of these, part-time employees will be a work-study student from Indiana University Northwest or Purdue Calumet. These employees will provide one-to-one as well small group

7 help. The ESL will need books and videos in order to teach patrons how to communicate in English. ESL Program Budget Subscriptions/Books $ 2,000 Supplies Copier per book $ 1,000 Pencils $200 Pens $200 Salaries Information Professional $ 20,000 Part-time Tutor $ 7,540 Work-Study Part-time $ 7,540 Subtotal $ 30,940 Organizational 21% $ 6,497 Total $ 37,437 Salary Increases In 2008, when Literacy Resource Center first opened its doors to patrons, it only had twenty people who used the center. In 2010, LRC services 150 people. This demand of LRC services has increased the number of people visiting the library and the use of its materials. In addition, the LRC has become an outreach center for patrons to find information concerning programs and services inside and outside of the LRC and the library. The information professional, Sandy Muyumba, has been advocate for the library and the LRC in the community. She visits schools and community centers to inform the community about the center. Therefore, the board of trustees believe she deserve 4% raise increase. Carmen Gonzalez, part-time paraprofessional, has worked to ensure that patrons needs are meet. She tirelessly assists patrons in the LRC. As result of the increase in patrons visiting

8 the LRC, Gonzalez is called upon frequently assist patrons when Sandy Muyumba is not available. Therefore, she also deserves a 4% pay increase. Karen Spielmann, full-time clerk, worked load has doubled. Although her work load has doubled over the past two years, she continues to assist Muyumba and Gonzalez in her clerical duties. In addition, Spielmann take classes in Spanish to communicate with the Hispanic/Latino population. Therefore, she also deserves a 4% pay increase.

9 References Demographics. (n.d.). City of East Chicago, Indiana. Retrieved from Facts: Schools. (n.d.). City of East Chicago, Indiana. Retrieved from McGill-Franzen, A., & Allington, R. (2003, May/June). Bridging the summer reading gap: A break from books can mean big losses for at-risk readers, but schools can help keep pages turning and minds sharp. Instructor, 112(8), 17.

10 Appendix A 2010 Literacy Resource Center Budget Line Item Expenses Literacy Resource Center 2010 Program Budget Total Operating Budget Program #1 Information Literacy Program #2 Summer Reading Program Program #3 Basic Computer Class Subscriptions and Books $ 156,000 $ 100,000 $ 50,000 $ 6,000 Supplies (including photo copies) $ 9,300 $ 650 $ 8,000 $ 650 Phone, fax, postage $ 4,500 $ 250 $ 4,000 $ 250 Staff Travel $ 1,200 $ 50 $ 1,100 $ 50 Subtotal $ 171,000 $ 100,950 $ 63,100 $ 6,950 Salaries $ 107,400 $ 28,600 $ 50,200 $ 28,600 38% $ 40,812 $ 10,868 $ 19,076 $ 10,868 Subtotal $ 319,212 $ 140,418 $ 132,376 $ 46,418 Organizational 21% $ 67,035 $ 29,488 $ 27,799 $ 9,748 Total $ 386,247 $ 169,906 $ 160,175 $ 56,166

11 Appendix B Information Literacy Program 2010 Information Literacy Program

12 Subscriptions and Books Databases $ 95,000 Books, Pamphlets $ 5,000 Supplies Printing-Flyers/Newsletters $ 650 Phone, Fax, Postage Phone $ - Fax $ 200 Postage $ 50 Travel@.25 per mile Mileage $ 50 Subtotal $ 100,950 Salaries Information Professional $ 19,000 Part-time Paraprofessional $ 5,100 Full-time Clerical $ 4,500 Total Salaries $ 28,600 Benefits@ 38% $ 10,868 Total Salaries and Benefits $ 39,468 Subtotal $ 140,418 Organizational 21% $ 29,488 Total $ 169,906

13 Appendix C Summer Reading Program Budget 2010 Summer Reading Program Subscriptions and Books Books $ 50,000 Supplies Construction paper $ 300 Napkins $ 150 Glue $ 200 Plastic plates $ 150 Knives, Forks, Spoons $ 220 Plastic cups $ 200 Copier $6.00 per ream, 10 in a box $ 1,500 Pencils $ 100 Child Friendly Scissors $ 300 Crayons $ 250 Finger Paints $ 300 Promotional T-Shirts $20 each $ 500 Yarn $ 350 Various Stickers (Pre-labeled) $ 150 Digital Camera $ 500 Batteries - Digital camera $ 380 Novelty pens/pencils/toys $ 450 Healthy Snacks for weekly programs $ 2,000 Subtotal $ 8,000 Phone, Fax, Postage Phone $ - Fax $ 200 Postage $ 3,800 Subtotal $ 4,000 Travel@.25 per mile Mileage $ 1,100 Subtotal $ 1,100 Salaries Information Professional $ 28,600 Part-time Paraprofessional $ 15,000 Full-time Clerical $ 6,600 Subtotal $ 50,200 Benefits@ 38% $ 19,076 Total of Salaries and Benefits $ 69,276 Subtotal $ 132,376 Organizational 21% $ 27,799 Total $ 160,175

14 Appendix D Basic Computer Classes 2010 Basic Computer Classes Budget Subscription/Books $ 6,000 Supplies $ 650 Phone Fax Postage $ 250 Staff Travel,@.25 per mile $ 50 Subtotal $ 6,950 Salaries Information Professional $ 19,000 Part-time Paraprofessional $ 5,100 Full-time Clerical $ 4,500 Subtotal $ 28,600 38% $ 10,868 Total of Benefits/Salaries $ 39,468 Subtotal $ 46,418 Organizational 21% $ 8,288 Total $ 94,174