[Publib] Bilingualism

[Diedre Conkling]

Below is a press release sent out yesterday that I think relates to the bilingualism question.

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Date: Wed, 2 Apr 2008 16:26:11 -0700
From: "LONG Shannon E" <shannonl at multcolib.org>
To: <libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us>
Subject: [Libs-Or] Molly Raphael receives Arthur Flemming Civil Rights Award

Date:  April 2, 2008

Contact:  Penny Hummel, Public Relations Manager, Multnomah County
Library, 503.988.5498; pennyh at multcolib.org

Molly Raphael receives Arthur Flemming Civil Rights Award
Multnomah County Library director lauded for increasing diversity

Molly Raphael, the Director of Libraries for Multnomah County, has been
awarded the Arthur Flemming Civil Rights Award for her efforts to
increase diversity in library employment, collections and programming.
This award is given by the Managers of Color affinity group of Multnomah
County.   

According to the nomination, Raphael has been outstanding in her
"commitment to increasing diversity in the library's workforce to better
reflect and serve the community ... she has been an active voice and
supporter of creating more bilingual and bicultural positions and
services."

Since Raphael's arrival at the library in 2003, diversity of library
staffing as measured by the number of employees of color who work at the
library has increased by 50%, while the number of bilingual positions
has increased by 209%, from 11 to 34.  

Similarly, Raphael's dedication to increasing the library's cultural
competency has been reflected in improved services to Multnomah County's
growing immigrant community.  Culturally appropriate programming for
speakers of Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese and Chinese has expanded from
13 programs in 2004 to 162 programs in 2007, drawing thousands to
bilingual storytimes, annual celebrations such as Lunar New Year, and
other events.  

The Arthur Flemming Award was created in 1996 by the City-County
Affirmative Action Office.  It is named for the late Dr. Arthur
Flemming, former provost of the University of Oregon and the first chair
of the Federal Rights Commission.  The award is given to an employee or
group of employees who exemplify the commitment of Arthur Flemming,
recognizing initiatives and/or efforts designed to promote diversity;
take risks; and demonstrate a commitment to equity of opportunity and
services to all. 

The Managers of Color group has been a recognized affinity group within
Multnomah County since 1992. The group is dedicated to developing and
maintaining organizational diversity, equity and opportunity, and
promoting customer-focused, culturally competent services.  
# # #


Shannon Long 
Multnomah County Library Public Relations 
205 NE Russell St., Portland, OR 97212 
503.988.6128 shannonl at multcolib.org 

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--
Diedre Conkling
     
  Lincoln County Library District
  P.O. Box 2027, Newport, OR  97365
  Phone & Fax:  541-265-3066
  http://lcld.library-blogs.net/
  Work:  diedre at beachbooks.org
  Home:  diedrec at charter.net