Settlement Services for Newcomers! in Public Libraries:!

Transcription

1 Settlement Services for Newcomers in Public Libraries: A Community-Led Approach Linda Garvin and Oliver Kamau April,

2 Presentation Overview Background What does this look like? Best Practices / Evaluation Challenges / Lessons learned Successes 2

3 We strengthen neighbourhoods and communities by creating connections and understanding needs. We go beyond traditional boundaries, fostering collaborative relationships to build relevant and responsive library services. The Way We Share EPL Business Plan

4 EPL s Community-Led Service Philosophy means connecting, consulting and working collaboratively with community members, including individuals and groups. The purpose is to understand the needs of the community in order to inform the direction of library work and policies. Annette DeFaveri

5 Community Librarians at EPL Build relationships Identify strengths and meet customer needs Focus on anyone facing barriers to using library services 5

6 Identified Barriers Suspicion or mistrust of authority Lack of awareness Language Isolation Transportation Access 6

7 What is a Library Settlement Program? 3 way partnership: Citizenship Immigration Canada (CIC) Edmonton Immigration Services Association (EISA) Edmonton Public Library (EPL) 7

8 LSP The Beginning Building on the work of others 2007 Toronto Public Library 2009 Edmonton Public Library 8

9 LSP The Beginning Citizenship Immigration Canada Terms of Reference Identify service points Staff service points 9

10 Mandate to help serve the initial settlement needs of newcomers, assist with integration into the community, and help newcomers understand how libraries can assist with their settlement needs 10

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12 Source: Alberta Immigration Progress Report

13 Settlement Services for Newcomers Newcomer Outreach Needs Assessment Information & Orientation Referral services Employment support Supportive Counseling

14 Citizenship Immigration Canada (CIC) Identify service providing organizations (SPOs) Track statistics for evaluation purposes Facilitate professional development opportunities Fund settlement agencies

15 Edmonton Immigration Services Association (EISA) Recruit and hire Collect data and submit reports Establish a communication protocol Collaborate with library staff

16 EISA Provide supervision and direction Review emergent issues Provide recommendations to improve service Share feedback and evaluate

17 Library Settlement Practitioner Conduct needs assessment Establish and maintain contact with newcomers Provide services and information Identify barriers Facilitate access to services and resources

18 Library Settlement Practitioner Maintains updated information Maintains up to date client files and statistical information Collects feedback to determine outcomes Provides services in a supportive and culturally sensitive manner

19 Role of a Public Library Public libraries are lively and welcoming community places.

20 Role of Edmonton Public Library Participate on Steering Team Collaborate - responsive services Choose locations Provide space Assist in orientation Promotion of service

21 Benefits for the Library Create a sense of belonging Extend services Inform clients of services Staff are informed Relevant service responses

22 Benefits for Newcomers Access to services in local library branches One-on-one contact Flexible hours Introduction to the library

23 Benefits for Settlement Agency Newcomers linked to EPL services and resources Library staff and settlement practitioners are more informed Agency is more visible to community Fosters new partnerships

24 Best Practices Steering Team Evaluation Presentations Referrals Outreach and Promotion Reporting and Communication Training and orientation 24

25 Evaluation Outcome Measurement Framework Resources / Inputs Ac/vi/es Outputs Outcomes Impact 25

26 Challenges / Lessons Learned Are we collaborating, are we cooperating, are we communicating? 26

27 Successes Collaborative partnership Terms of Reference Fiscal agent In kind contributions Flexible hours and settlement service points Increase number of library settlement practitioners Qualitative feedback from clients 27

28 I came from ETHIOPIA I have Two Month in canada For the last month to this weighting Time I Know women at Edmonton public laibrary when I am asking to lend a book some body imediately she heard my voice and she ask me who am I just she tell me to come with she at first building and we satin library and she tell me who she is she asked me who am i. I get her when every thing is complicated to methen she told me whear I go, what Iam doing what I am reading then every thing is open to me Iam happy Just she advice me like mother, sister she is good never seen. I look her like my sister and Expect my family is here whith me know every thing is on the way she tell me whow I FIND a job at internate totally she is good lady I said tank you tank you, tank you god bless she 28

29 Questions? Linda Garvin Oliver Kamau 29