Immigrant Politics and the Public Library

This book explores the impact of the nativist movement on public library usage among Latino and Asian immigrants. The activism of concerned librarians within the California Library Association to defend the rights of immigrant library users after the passage of Proposition 187 is documented. In addition, four original research studies suggest that public libraries that provided relevant multilingual collections and services, multilingual staff, and strong public services have remained vibrant and well-used institutions despite widespread anti-immigrant sentiments and heightened anxiety among library users.

The extensive qualitative studies that are reported in this volume are unique to the field of library science. Three of the studies focus on the heavily Mexican/Latino immigrant city of Santa Ana, CA, which is located in Orange County, home to the most virulent anti-immigrant forces, including the Save Our State organizers who initiated the Proposition 187 legislation. Two articles deal specifically with Asian American communities, one ascertaining the negative effects of the elimination of affirmative action policies in public library hiring and promotion, the other recounting the political nature and practice that characterizes dynamic community services to Asian immigrant communities.