Latino students and libraries: a US federal grant project report

摘要

Purpose - This paper aims to describe how an academic library is using federal grant money to contribute to Latino student success by strengthening library collections, archives, and information competence. Design/methodology/approach - This paper examines the inequalities faced by US Latinos in higher education and how the Oviatt Library at California State University Northridge is addressing this through a project funded by a Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Program grant from the US Department of Education. The grant project has three objectives: namely, increase students' library use by expanding the library's collection of Latino-related materials, library instruction program, and outreach; acquire and provide access to primary archival materials related to Latino individuals and organizations in the local community; and create and administer valid and reliable information competence assessment tools. Findings - Grant money can be an important tool for contributing to a library's ability to respond to the needs of its community. Originality/value - This case study should encourage libraries to seek funding from sources that are not generally considered.