Cumbria is one of the most rural counties in the country. The 2004 mid-year population estimates show an ethnic minority population of less than 1 per cent. An ageing population and the outward migration of young adults has meant shortages of labour especially in the manufacturing and hospitality industries. Much employment in hospitality has been filled by international migrants for some time. Since May 2004, citizens from the new accession states have filled many posts.
Libraries play an important role in forming links with new communities and also in providing information and educational services. After May 2004 staff noticed an increase in Eastern European users, especially using free internet services. Librarians realised they would need to make changes to accommodate the new communities. Areas they addressed were:
- providing extra internet services
- expanding the collection of foreign language books
- promoting learning about Eastern European culture within the local community
After May 2004, librarians noted queues developing for computers due to an increased demand for internet usage. This was a small point of tension with local users. So some additional computers have been supplied to main libraries. Some main libraries recently started opening on Sunday; this has helped spread demand and cater for hard to reach groups and migrant workers who may not be able to use the service at other times because of long working hours.
Cumbria libraries sought the advice of specialist suppliers to extend their selection of foreign language books. They have also used links with library partners in the North West to pool specialist books. This allows book stocks to be rotated and refreshed at little extra cost.
Library staff consulted with local English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) teachers and students to find out what type of resources and languages would be required. Multi-lingual posters are displayed near internet access points to advertise the new book stock and multi-lingual DVD collections. An audit has shown that every book in the new collection has been borrowed at least once.
The range of children’s foreign language books has also been developed as books for children under five have been acquired. Taster sessions for 'story sacks', which include a book and props to tell the story, have been advertised. These can help parents with little English to participate in telling a story to their children who may be learning English at school.
Bilingual translators attend the sessions where parents are shown how to use the sacks; this has proven to be an effective way of engaging with new arrivals with young children. Bilingual books for children and adults are often more easily available than those for teenagers, so Cumbria libraries have used specialist suppliers to try and widen the selection for this age group.
Work has been carried out to target different communities and promote contact between local people and newcomers. Some library staff have asked members from the Eastern European community to bring in items representing their culture for displays. Libraries have also increased the availability of books about the Eastern European countries, so that members of the community can have the opportunity to learn more about the new migrants.
Useful information for new migrants such as details about accessing advice and interpretation is also provided in the libraries and staff can assist users with filling in forms. Cultural awareness training is now included in staff induction and customer care courses.