The Dublin City Public Libraries (DCPL) service manage a network of over 32 branches and service points throughout the city making it the largest library authority in the country. Within Dublin the network of public libraries play a key role in delivering their service to culturally diverse groups. The libraries have schemes in place to ensure that people from all ethnicities and nationalities can use their facilities.
Project Goal
The libraries are seen as important meeting points for economic migrants and asylum seekers of numerous nationalities. A recent analysis of the Central Library’s reference membership identified users from 101 different nationalities.
Who benefits
Migrants in the Dublin metropolitan area.
How it works
Entry and usage of the library facilities are open to all, recognising that not all migrants would be able to provide evidence of home ownership or occupation. The libraries provide ‘Borrow books in your language’ leaflets and posters in fifteen languages. Joining the library procedures are available in a number of languages in the Central library. A Public Library User Survey (17th-24th Sept 2007) used questionnaires and promotional material in English, Irish, French, Russian and Polish. The Central Library’s Open Learning Centre (OLC) provides language learning facilities – this is extensively used by different nationalities.
Results
See evaluation below.
Evaluation
Between 2001 and 2006, the number of different nationalities registering for certification purposes at the Central Library’s Official Learning Centre (OLC) increased by 36 per cent. In 2006 users from 120 nationalities registered to use its language learning facilities. Learning English accounts for 74% of all language learning use. The OLC was awarded a Language Ambassador of the Year Award in 2006 by the EU.
Funding and resources
City of Dublin
About this good practice
- Project dates
- Geographic area
- Ireland
- City
- Dublin
- Organisation
- Dublin City Public Libraries
- Contact person
- Mr. Jamie Cudden
- Position
- Research manager
Details
- Posted by