Latino students and libraries: a US Federal Grant Project Report

Abstract

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: 1) Increase students' library use by expanding the library's collection of Latino‐related materials, library instruction program, and outreach; 2) Acquire and provide access to primary archival materials related to Latino individuals and organizations in the local community; and 3) 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.

Citation

Solis, J. and Dabbour, K.S. (2006), "Latino students and libraries: a US Federal Grant Project Report", New Library World, Vol. 107 No. 1/2, pp. 48-56. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074800610639030