Challenges and Opportunities in the Acquisition and Use of Honored Multicultural Children's Literature: A Case Study of Community Libraries in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

摘要

This case study investigated the availability of 746 award-winning and honored titles, from eight ethnic-specific children's literature awards in the branch libraries of the Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA), and examined librarians' perceptions on the acquisition and use of such literature. Findings suggest the collection development policies advocate for diverse library collections, where practice does not always comply. Librarians usually choose books in favor of the majority, continuing the inequality in the amount of children's books reflecting the dominant populations over the marginalized groups. Despite perceived difficulty in the obtainment and circulation of multicultural children's literature, librarians agree more should be available and promoted in their libraries. This study advocates increasing the education and training of librarians in cultural competency and diversity because today's library patrons are more ethnically diverse and all children need to experience mirrors and windows in the books available to them.