Librarians from the Literature & Language Department on the 7th floor of Harold Washington Library Center recently looked at how we could better serve our patrons who speak languages other than English, or English-language learners.
The key findings from our interviews with English as a second language tutors, their students and experts in the field were:
- Learners and tutors want space to practice conversation.
- Self-service is a priority because English-language learners will often avoid using their English.
- Displaying materials by difficulty level allows students and tutors entry points for learning and gives students the satisfaction of graduating to higher levels.
After brainstorming ideas for a modest prototype, our team worked zealously to create small changes to the room where we house these materials. But as we have learned through the design-thinking process, small changes are a great way to start. Our team invited experts within CPL and a program director from Literacy Works Chicago to visit the prototype, and we modified the space to incorporate their suggestions.
The still-developing result is a more welcoming space, improved signage, face-out book displays, conversation tables and chairs, and a more current selection of materials. The next time you find yourself at HWLC, stop by the 7th floor and check out our prototype.
