MODULE BOOKLET

 

 

Module Title   Information Services to Minority Communities

 

Module Code  CMP036N

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Session:   2004-05

 

Semester: Spring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

approved May 2004 ADC (1)

commencing Sept 2004

 London Metropolitan University

 

 

Module Booklet Contents                                     

 

 

a)   Welcome to Information Services to Minority Communities

 

      Session      2004-05

 

      Semester    Spring

 

 

Details of the Staff teaching team

 

b)   Module Leader:        Shiraz Durrani

     

      Office Location:        LH335

 

      Email:                     s.durrani@londonmet.ac.uk       

 

      Telephone               Ext: 5017

 

      Office Hours            Tuesday 1-2.00pm; Friday:1-2.00pm

 

     

c)       Module Specification

 

MODULE AIMS TO:

 

·         provide an understanding of the concept of cultural pluralism in contemporary society and to examine its relation to the information and communication process.

 

  • critically examine the role of information policy in a socially inclusive society and to provide an awareness of the specific information needs of minority communities and community organisations.

 

  • examine the nature and range of community information and community information  networks and their role in the provision of information services for various ‘publics’.

 

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

 

By the end of this module, students should be able to:

 

  • critically analyse the characteristics of various minority communities and assess their information needs in the context of information service provision

 

  • evaluate appropriate information networks and assess their impact on minority communities in terms of access to information

 

·         assess the use of information and communication technologies in the empowerment of diverse communities and their appropriateness in building partnerships

 

 

 

 

 

 

TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS

 

Lectures

Workshops/seminars

Videos

Electronic Learning Resources

Tutorials

Self directed study

Guest speakers

 

 

STUDY HOURS:

 

Students will study for a total of 200 hours on this module made up in the following way:-

 

Timetabled classes, lectures and group discussions                                             33 hours                          

Self-directed study                                                                                             104 hours                                                                                       

Assessment preparation                                                                                     56 hours                                                                          

Private review of assessment after receiving feedback                                            7 hours                                

 

ASSESSMENT:

 

There are two assessment instruments (A & B)

 

A: A report providing a critical analysis of the characteristics of one minority community, identifying their information needs and making recommendations for the provision of appropriate library and information services.

 

Length: 2,000 words.  Weighting: 50%.  Due: Wk 8

 

B: An essay examining communication channels in minority communities.  This work will consist of:

 

i)                     Identifying and describing the traditional and IT-based channels of information transfer in minority communities

ii)                   an analysis of the effectiveness of formal and informal communication channels within  one minority community.

 

Length: 2,000 words.  Weighting: 50%.   Due Wk 14.

 

 

 

Students must pass both components.

 

MARKING CRITERIA

 

D: Fair Pass 50 -55%           

 

To be awarded a `D` you will need to demonstrate some understanding of the concept of cultural pluralism and indicate within its framework issues which are of significance to minority communities. You will need to demonstrate an understanding of the lecture notes and consult some published sources. For both assessments you will need to provide an analysis of your chosen community and assess its information needs and communication channels. You will need to examine the information transfer process in relation to the needs.

                          

C: Good Pass  56-64%

                

To be awarded a `C` you will need to demonstrate a good understanding of the concept of cultural pluralism and discuss and evaluate within its framework, issues which are of significance to minority communities. You will need to demonstrate evidence that you have gone beyond lecture notes and have consulted and examined a wide range of published sources. For assessments 1 and 2 you will need to provide comprehensive and critical analysis of your community and examine and evaluate the information transfer and communication processes in relation to those needs.  

 

 

B: Pass with Merit:  65-69%                   

To be awarded a  ‘B’, in addition  to the conditions needed to obtain a `C`grade, you will need to demonstrate substantial reading and understanding of a wide range of sources. You will need to demonstrate a very good knowledge of all major issues/factors/political developments in relation to the cultural pluralism and information transfer and communication processes.

 

A:  Distinction  70%+                    

To be awarded an `A` grade, in addition to the conditions for a `B` grade, you will need to demonstrate the ability to produce work of real clarity and originality.

 

 

Indicative Bibliography

 

There are many journal articles, reports, books and websites that are useful for this module.  It is important to read the basic documents, and also to keep up with recent developments.  You will also need to check regularly the relevant journals and websites that are appropriate for this course.  In general, you need to keep up with policies, legislation and developments in both areas covered by this course: the information and library sector and aspects relating to the study of communities in Britain:  social exclusion, community cohesion, equality and social justice, human rights etc. 

 

The bibliography and reading lists provide reference to important sources of information that you will need to keep up with.  As this is a fast developing area, new readings will be given to you at sessions over the course of the module, as appropriate.  For example, recommended readings and websites in community profiles will be provided at the relevant time when this session takes place. 

 

The “suggested readings” covers a wide range of material.  You will obviously not be expected to read everything on the list. Relevant key documents will be highlighted during lectures and seminars. At the same time, do feel free to share with others any relevant new material you come across.

 

 

SUGGESTED READINGS

 

Audit Commission (2001):  Equality and Diversity; Learning from Audit, Inspection and Research.  London:  Audit Commission.  Web version available at: <http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports/NATIONAL-REPORT.asp?CategoryID=&ProdID=13A7DCD0-8339-11d6-AC3D-00010303D196&SectionID=sect1#>.

 

Audit Commission (2002): Building better library services; learning from audit, inspection and research.   London:  Audit Commission.  Web version available at: <http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports/AC-REPORT.asp?CatID=&ProdID=9D0A0DD1-3BF9-4c52-9112-67D520E7C0AB>.

 

Audit Commission (2002):  Directions in diversity.   London:   Audit Commission.  Web version available at:  <http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports/AC-REPORT.asp?CatID=&ProdID=80292B00-F596-11d6-B1FD-0060085F8572>.

 

Audit Commission (2004):  Audit Commission Report on Race Equality.  TEN Policy Briefing.  London: The Education Network.

 

The Big Lottery Fund (2004):  Books and Bites, new service paradigms for  21st century library. An evaluation of the People's Network  and ICT training for public library staff programme.  London:  The Big Lottery Fund (The Tavistock Institute).  Web version available at:  <http://www.mla.gov.uk/documents/pn_evaluation_full.pdf>.

 

Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (2002?):  Making a difference – innovation and diversity; final report of the social inclusion executive advisory group.  London: CILIP.  Web version available at: <http://www.cilip.org.uk/professionalguidance/socialinclusion/default.htm>.

 

Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (2002):  Start with the child: report of the CILIP Working Group on library provision for children and young people.  London: CILIP.

 

Clough, E. A. and Quarmby, E. (1978):  A public library service for ethnic minorities in Great Britain.   London:  Library Association.   

 

Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR).   Plans for equality body published are set out in a White Paper published today - Wednesday 12 May 2004. Web version available at: http://www.direct.gov.uk/Newsroom/NewsArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4013331&chk=C66q9V

 

Datta, S and Simova, S. (1989):  Cultural diversity and libraries: today & tomorrow.  London:  Polytechnic of North London Press, 1989. 

Department of Culture, Media and Sport (1999):  Libraries for all: social inclusion in pubic libraries; policy guidance for local authorities in England.  London:  DCMS.

 

Department of Culture, Media and Sport (2001):  Comprehensive, efficient and modern public libraries – Standards and Assessment”.  London:  DCMS.  Web version available at:  <http://www.culture.gov.uk/PDF/libraries_pls_assess.pdf>.

 

Department of Culture, Media and Sport (2001):  Libraries, museums, galleries and archives for all: co-operating across the sectors to tackle social exclusion. London:  DCMS.

 

Department of Culture, Media and Sport (2003):  Framework for the future: libraries, learning and information in the next decade.  London:  DCMS.   Web version available at: <http://www.culture.gov.uk/libraries_and_communities/framework_for_the_future.htm>.

 

Department of Culture, Media and Sport (2004a):  Public Library Standards. London:  DCMS. Web version available at:  <http://www.culture.gov.uk/global/publications/archive_2004/library_standards.htm?properties=archive%5F2004%2C%2Flibraries%5Fand%5Fcommunities%2FQuickLinks%2Fpublications%2Fdefault%2C&month=>

 

Department of Culture, Media and Sport (2004b):  Report to Parliament on Public Library Matters.  London:  DCMS.  Web version available at:  <http://www.culture.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/etnot2mqu6axsa4nodarp2mkmi5ub4oe7ib44djvshjnflwcwihauad7ezg753mdpy3mcrs4zgfslk6g5ii7ii4cded/LibrariesReporttoParliament04.pdf>

 

Durrani, Shiraz (1999):  “Black communities and information workers in search of social justice”.  New Library World.  Vol. 100 (6). pp. 265 - 279.

 

Durrani, Shiraz (2000a): Returning a stare: people’s struggles for political and social inclusion.  “Open to all?  the public library and social exclusion”.   Vol. 3 pp. 87-110. (Working Paper no. 6). London:  Resource [MLA]

 

Durrani, S. (2000b): Struggle against racial exclusion in public libraries: a fight for the rights of the people.  “Open to all? the public library and social exclusion”.   Vol. 3 pp. 254-349. (Working Paper no. 13).  London:  Resource [MLA].

 

Durrani, S. (2001): Social and racial exclusion handbook for libraries, archives, museums and galleries.  2nd edition, 2001.  Nadderwater, Exeter:  Social Exclusion Action Planning Network. 

 

Durrani, S. (2004a):  “Struggle to ensue equal library rights for all; a challenge to librarians”. Talk at the "fair library" seminar organised by BiS.  Göteborg Book and Library Fair, 23 - 26 Sept 2004. Web version available at:  <http://www.foreningenbis.org/Shirazanf.htm>.

 

Durrani, Shiraz (2004b):  “Create a people-orientated public library service”.  Submission to Parliamentary Culture, Media and Sport Committee.  Session 2003-04.  26 October 2004.  New Inquiry:  Public Libraries.  Web version available at:  Library Juice  7:25 - December 3, 2004:  <http://www.libr.org/Juice/issues/vol7/LJ_7.25.html#6>.

 

Durrani, S. and Smallwood, E. (2003): “Mainstreaming Equality, Meeting Needs; the Merton Library approach”.  Library Management. 24 (6) 348-359.

 

Employers Organisation (2001):  No quality without equality: Best Value and equalities.  London: Employers Organisation. (Approaches to Best Value Series). Web version available at:   <http://www.lg-employers.gov.uk/documents/publications/dialog/No%20Quality%20Without%20Equality.doc>.

 

Employers Organisation for Local Authority (2004):  “Equality standard for local government”.  London:  Employers Organisation for Local Authorities.  Information about the Standard available at: <http://www.lg-employers.gov.uk/diversity/equality/index.html>.

Great Britain.  Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.  London:  The Stationary Office.  Web version of the Act is available at:  <http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/20000034.htm>.  Further information about the implementation of the Act is available at:   <http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/comrace/race/raceact/amendact.html>.

 

House of Commons.  Session 1999-2000.  Culture Media and Sport Committee. Sixth Report: Public Libraries (2000):  Public libraries: Government response to the sixth report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, session 1999-2000.  House of Commons, CMS Committee, Third special report.

 

Home Office (2005):  “Improving opportunity, strengthening society;  the government’s strategy to increase race equality and community cohesion”. Web version available at:  <http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/docs4/race_improving_opport.pdf>.

 

Hunt, Fiona (2001): “The WTO and the Threat to Libraries.” Progressive Librarian 18, pp. 29-39. Web version available at:  < http://www.libr.org/PL/18_Hunt.html>.

 

International Federation for Library Associations (2001?): Guidelines for children’s libraries service. The Hague: IFLA.  Web version available at:  <http://www.ifla.org/VII/s10/pubs/ChildrensGuidelines.pdf>

 

International Federation for Library Associations (2001): Guidelines for Library services for young adults.  Web version available at: <http://www.ifla.org/VII/s10/pubs/guidelines-e.pdf>.

 

International Federation for Library Associations/UNESCO School Library Manifesto (1999).  Paris:  UNESCO.  Web version available at:  <http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/file_download.php/e6505b820c709d77b0de796f511e89cfschool_library_manifesto_english.pdf>.

 

Improvement and Development Agency (2004):  Perceptions and prospects; diversity issues in local government management. London: Improvement and Development Agency. (2 vols.).  Executive summaries available at:  <http://www.idea.gov.uk/publications/perceptions_prospects.pdf>.

 

Iverson, Sandy (1998/99): “Librarianship and resistance”.  Progressive Librarian.  15, pp.14-20.  Web version available at  < http://www.libr.org/PL/15_Iverson.html>.

 

Leadbeater, C. (2003):  Overdue; How to create a modern public library service.  London: Demos.  Web version available at:  <http://www.demos.co.uk/catalogue/default.aspx?id=262>.

 

Leicester City Libraries (2000):  Achieving inclusion.  [Libraries Review 2000]. Leicester: Leicester City Council.

 

Library and Information Commission (2000):  Libraries: the essence of inclusion.  London:  LIC.   Web version available at:  <http://www.mla.gov.uk/information/legacy/lic_pubs/policyreports/inclusion.html>.

 

Local Government Association (2004):  Cultural services and the shared priorities.  London:  LGA.  Web version available at <http://www.lga.gov.uk/Documents/Publication/web%20Cultural%20services%20and%20the%20shared%20priorities.pdf>.

 

London Borough of Hackney.  Library Service (1994):  “Library service for Black and ethnic minority nationalities in the UK - a report prepared by Hackney Library’s Black & EM Worker’s Group  for DNH’s Review of Public Library” .  Alternative Library Literature 1994-95 a Biennial Anthology, edited by Sanford Berman and James P. Danky. 1996.  Jefferson, NC (USA): McFarland & Co., pp. 205-225.      

 

Muddiman, D. (2000a):  Public libraries and social exclusion: the historical legacy.  “Open to all? the public library and social exclusion”. Vol. 3  pp.16-25.  (Working Paper no. 2).  London:  Resource [MLA].

Muddiman, D. (2000b):  Theories of social exclusion and the public library.   “Open to all? the public library and social exclusion”. Vol. 3  pp.1- 15. (Working Paper no. 1).  London:  Resource [MLA].

 

Muela, Zapopan (2004):  U.K protest: no to the racist closure of the library of the Commission for Racial Equality”. Web version available at:  Indymedia London. (16-08-2004) <http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/london/2004/08/296414.html>.

 

Neighbourhood Renewal Unit, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (2001):  A New Commitment to Neighbourhood Renewal: A National Strategy Action Plan.  London: ODPM.  Web version available at: <http://www.neighbourhood.gov.uk/formatteddoc.asp?id=89>.

 

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (2004):  Breaking the Cycle of social exclusion.  London:  ODPM.  Web version available at:  <http://www.socialexclusionunit.gov.uk/downloaddoc.asp?id=262>.

 

Olden, A. et al (1996):  Service for all? a review of the published literature on black and ethnic minority/multicultural provision by public libraries in the United Kingdom.  London:  British Library Research and Development Department.   

 

The Reading Agency (2004):  Fulfilling their potential: a national development programme for young people’s library services.  London:  The Reading Agency.  Web version available at:  <http://www.readingagency.co.uk/download_files/ACFC418.doc>.

 

Resources (2000):  Open To All? The Public Library And Social Exclusion.  London: Resource.  Library & Information Commission Research Report no. 85.  3 volumes:

 

 Vol.1:  Overview and conclusions.   Web version available at:   http://www.mla.gov.uk/documents/lic084.pdf

 Vol.2:  Survey, case studies and methods.

 Vol.3:  Working papers 

 

Resource (2002):  Neighbourhood renewal & social inclusion: the role of museums, archives and libraries by Sandra Parker et al.  London:  Resource.  Web version available at:  <http://www.mla.gov.uk/documents/neighbourhood.pdf>.

 

Roach, P. and Morrison, M (1998a):  Public libraries, ethnic diversity and citizenship. [London?]: British Library Board. 

 

Roach, P. and Morrison, M (1998b):  Public libraries, ethnic diversity; a baseline for good practice.  Warwick: University of Warwick.  

 

Smallwood, E. (2002):  “Communities Developing Communities”.  Diversity. No. 3, pp. 22-32, 75.  Web version available at:  <http://www.seapn.org.uk/docs/diversity_march01.pdf>.

 

Social Exclusion Unit (2000a):  Minority ethnic issues in social exclusion and neighbourhood renewal; a guide to the work of the SEU and the Policy Action Teams so far.  London:  SEU.   Web version available at:  http://www.socialexclusionunit.gov.uk/downloaddoc.asp?id=114

 

The Stephen Lawrence inquiry: report of an inquiry by Sir William Macpherson of Cluny  (1999):  London: Stationery Office, 1999. 

 

Thompson, Jane (2001):  Rerooting lifelong learning; resourcing neighbourhood renewal.  Leicester: National Institute of Adult Continuing Education.

 

UNESCO (1994):  Public Library Manifesto.  Paris: UNESCO.  Web version available at: <http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/file_download.php/ee231cd2ce227294ead6ff6da7829c7cpublic_library_manifesto_english.rtf>.

 

Vincent, J (1986):  An introduction to community librarianship.  London:  Association of Assistant Librarians (Group of the Library Association). 

 

Some useful websites

 

Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals: <http://www.cilip.org.uk/default.cilip>.

 

Community Development Foundation:  <http://www.cdf.org.uk/default.asp>.

 

Department of Culture, Media and Sport (libraries and communities section):  <http://www.culture.gov.uk/libraries_and_communities/default.htm>.

 

Disability Rights Commission.  <http://www.drc-gb.org/>.

 

Diversity Group (CILIP):  <http://www.cilip.org.uk/groups/dg/newsletter.html>.

 

Equal Opportunities Commission.  <http://www.eoc.org.uk/>.

 

Institute of Race Relations.  <http://www.irr.org.uk/contact/index.html>

 

International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA):  <http://www.ifla.org/>

 

The Network, tackling social exclusion in libraries, museums, archives and galleries.   <http://www.seapn.org.uk/index.html>.

 

People’s Network. London:MLA: <http://www.mla.gov.uk/action/pn/00pn.asp>

 

Public Library Position Statement.   London: DCMS:  <http://www.libplans.ws/>

 

UNESCO Libraries portal: <http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/ev.php-URL_ID=6513&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html>

 

 

 

Some useful journals/Newsletters

 

Connections.  Commission for Racial Equality.  <http://www.cre.gov.uk/publs/connections.html>.

 

Dialogue:  the newsletter of the DIALOGUE Unit, an Employers Organisation Service: <http://www.lg-employers.gov.uk/documents/diversity/dialogue_mag/Issue9200304.pdf>.

 

Diversity [Newsletter of the Diversity Group, CILIP]:  Available at: <http://www.cilip.org.uk/groups/dg/newsletter.html>.

 

Inclusion. Newsletter from the Social Exclusion Unit (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister) <http://www.socialexclusion.gov.uk/news.asp?id=458&inc=1>.

 

 Information for Social Change:  <http://libr.org/ISC/TOC.html>. – especially the following special issues:

·         Combating racism in libraries and information services, special issue edited by Shiraz Durrani.  No. 11  Summer 2000

·         Services for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgendered people, special issue edited by John Vincent.  No. 12  Winter 2000.

·         Globalisation and information, special issue edited by Ruth Rikowski.  No. 14, Winter 2001/2002.

 

 Library and Information Update :   <http://www.cilip.org.uk/publications/updatemagazine>

 

Library Juice (ISSN 1544-9378) is a “biweekly online magazine for librarians, library and information science students, and other interested people. It includes discussions, commentary, announcements, humor, web links and news affecting the library world. Much of the material is about librarianship as the servant and protector of the public sphere; intellectual freedom and social responsibility as central to the profession. Library Juice is not a discussion list but a digest of material from a variety of sources.”  Available at:  < http://www.libr.org/Juice/>.

 

Link-up; the  Newsletter of Link: a network for North-South library development.   

 

MLA News (Museum, Libraries & Archives Council):  <http://www.mla.gov.uk/documents/mlanews07.pdf>.

The Network Newsletter (The Network tackling social exclusion): http://www.seapn.org.uk/newsletter.html

 

Progressive Librarian.  http://www.libr.org/PL/

 

Public Library Journal.  Public Library Group, CILIP.

 

Race and class. A journal on racism, empire and globalisation.  London: Institute of Race Relations..  <http://www.irr.org.uk/publication/raceandclass/index.html>.

 

Sessions:

 

Week 1

Lecture

Seminar

11th Feb

21st century British society in a globalised world

 

 

Course overview & expectations.

 

Workshop:  Assess the impact of globalisation in the last five years in your work and personal life.

 

Suggested Readings:

 

Davis, Jim (1998/99):  “Rethinking globalisation”.