12:05-12:50 Information Equity Conference Moderated Roundtable Discussions by

Icebreaker

2021-10-24 15:40:49 UTC

"Do you even know how smart I am in Spanish? Of course you don't. For once, it would be nice to speak to someone in my own language in my own home."

Language Barriers Online

2021-10-24 16:10:03 UTC

Libraries have added automated translations and / or manual translations of their content.

marconbfpl — 2021-10-25 14:07:28 UTC

How do we bridge the barrier...

On social media?
Online programs?
Onsite programs?
Media Resources?

What disability-related barriers to information equity do we recognize and address?

jenniferheiseplfdpl — 2021-10-25 14:14:08 UTC

Harvard Business Review article - How to Close the Digital Divide in the U.S. by Bhaskar Chakravorti

2021-10-25 16:16:27 UTC

https://hbr.org/2021/07/how-to-close-the-digital-divide-in-the-u-s

digital divide is more than devices. People need to know how to use digital tools and how to navigate through the vast amount of information

2021-10-25 16:16:29 UTC

2021-10-25 16:18:44 UTC

Infrastructure: Internet speeds; terrestrial broadband coverage; smartphone usage. Inclusivity: Affordability of broadband; equity of broadband access across income groups; actual usage of the internet at broadband speeds. Institutions: Political prioritization of broadband strategy; best practices of government use of technology for public services; restrictions on alternative local broadband solutions, such as municipal networks. Digital Proficiency: How well people can navigate the digital world, which is shaped by demographic profile, education levels, political tolerance, degree of skepticism about news sourced from social media.

The Digital Divide - Need to Address Infrastructure, Inclusivity, Institutions, and Digital Proficiency

2021-10-25 16:19:25 UTC

Infrastructure: Internet speeds; terrestrial broadband coverage; smartphone usage.
Inclusivity: Affordability of broadband; equity of broadband access across income groups; actual usage of the internet at broadband speeds.
Institutions: Political prioritization of broadband strategy; best practices of government use of technology for public services; restrictions on alternative local broadband solutions, such as municipal networks.
Digital Proficiency: How well people can navigate the digital world, which is shaped by demographic profile, education levels, political tolerance, degree of skepticism about news sourced from social media.

2021-10-25 16:19:34 UTC

Digital divide is not just supplying the tools, but also the skills to use them.

Leamos

2021-10-25 16:21:47 UTC

Bound Brook library will be piloting a program where we will be teaching low literate Spanish speakers how to read and write in Spanish to better prepare them to learn English

Stephen Felle - NJSL TBBC

heymissjenna — 2021-10-25 16:24:05 UTC

Contact Stephen about the LEAP Program.
800-792-8322 x 812
sfelle@njstatelib.org

LEAP is for New Jersey residents 55 and older who have a change in vision.

Appropriate Terms to Use

heymissjenna — 2021-10-25 16:29:52 UTC

When writing or speaking about people with disabilities it is important to put the person first. Catch-all phrases such as 'the blind', 'the deaf' or 'the disabled, do not reflect the individuality, equality or dignity of people with disabilities.

Respectful Disability Language

heymissjenna — 2021-10-25 16:33:37 UTC

guide to using respectful words and language

Barriers

kiacovetta — 2021-10-25 16:35:19 UTC

Computer time:
more time for cardholders vs. guest pass
Extended time based on staff discretion

Fines:
stay tuned for NJLA's Diversity & Outreach section survey on fines/fine free.

Address requirement for card sign up

ADA SELF-ASSESSMENTSURVEY AND PLANNING TOOL

heymissjenna — 2021-10-25 16:36:43 UTC

Services for Persons with Disabilities

heymissjenna — 2021-10-25 16:38:10 UTC

2021-10-25 16:38:50 UTC

Digital skills training for staff - core competency

Funding!

2021-10-25 16:39:32 UTC

Contact Nancy Suhaka for more info about Accessibility Services

heymissjenna — 2021-10-25 16:39:38 UTC

Nancy Suhaka nsuhaka@sclibnj.org

Somerset Library

Home Borrowing Services

heymissjenna — 2021-10-25 16:40:27 UTC

Community Conversations Book Discussion

heymissjenna — 2021-10-25 16:41:11 UTC

Highland Park Library is holding community conversations around the disability experience for all ages this month

2021-10-25 16:42:07 UTC

Need to move forward. Part of the "new library." Mission and vision.

Removing Barriers

kiacovetta — 2021-10-25 16:42:18 UTC

Increased wi-fi connection

Hotspot lending (if address restriction is removed for cards)

Accepting shelter/transitional housing address for card sign ups

Mimi Lee (from State Library) mentioned the Cross Cultural Communicators in Libraries program that aimed to give bilingual library workers these types of skills, link > http://www.njstatelib.org/cccil

2021-10-25 16:43:04 UTC

Language Line Solutions for an interpreter or translation

2021-10-25 16:43:06 UTC

Consider Loneliness

heymissjenna — 2021-10-25 16:44:29 UTC

Homebound patrons might not be able to make it into the library. What are some services your library can provide to assist these patrons?

Who needs which services?

heymissjenna — 2021-10-25 16:45:43 UTC

Who do we communicate with in order to gather information about what kinds of needs the disabled patrons of our particular libraries have?

2021-10-25 16:48:26 UTC

Need to let people know what we are doing.

Tcoil is the audio enhancement tool

heymissjenna — 2021-10-25 16:49:58 UTC

Large print!

heymissjenna — 2021-10-25 16:50:18 UTC

Make sure your flyers are large print so it's easier for everyone to read!

Fine-Free Policies

kiacovetta — 2021-10-25 16:53:57 UTC

Libraries Are Increasing Usage by Going Fine-Free

kiacovetta — 2021-10-25 16:54:18 UTC

Discussion topics included hardware, software, access, infrastructure, training, broadband/hotspots, language, comfort/willingness, experience, age As far as groups we talked about seniors, job searchers, library staff, younger people (more information than digital literacy) A recurring point was what are the digital services that should be provided by every library (wifi, hot spots, laptops, training, cellular coverage, IT, assistance) and who pays for that. To address the digital divide, we can't just work with people who come into the library. We have to be out in the community finding out what people need and how we can help.Action steps/questions: What are the basic digital resources every library should provide? What digital skills (including knowledge about free digital resources) should every library staff member have? Can the State Library, LibraryLink NJ or NJLA provide that training? Our digital role grew explosively during the pandemic and will continue so we need to rebrand libraries. Everyone, from library boards to municipalities, needs to own this new library. A clearer identity will provide a framework to reallocate resources and get access to new funding.

ce305 — 2021-10-25 17:33:05 UTC

Web accessibility affects people with visual handicaps, motor handicaps, neurological disabilities

jenniferheiseplfdpl — 2021-10-25 18:11:43 UTC

Tools for persons with visual disabilities/low visual acuity

jenniferheiseplfdpl — 2021-10-25 18:14:59 UTC

Verbal communication can be a barrier to accessing information/services

jenniferheiseplfdpl — 2021-10-25 18:20:36 UTC

Speech-to-text translator at reference desk
Pen and paper
chat reference
all useful for literate patrons

Showing patrons how to use ease of access tools/adaptive options on their devices and on library devices

jenniferheiseplfdpl — 2021-10-25 18:23:04 UTC

LEAP program doing programs for patrons at specific libraries -- outreach will scale up post pandemic

Email accounts for patrons without cell phones?

jenniferheiseplfdpl — 2021-10-25 19:42:11 UTC

It came up earlier in a discussion that now most free email accounts require a cell phone to sign up

Chat transcript

ce305 — 2021-10-27 22:34:56 UTC

12:13:17 From Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they) to Everyone:
	Do you have add ideas, links, or resources you want to share? 
	
	
	GIF here: https://giphy.com/gifs/latina-vrcxO2t1CLV0k
12:15:22 From Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they) to Everyone:
	“Do you know how frustrating it is to have to translate everything in my head before I say it?” Gloria, Modern Family
12:16:37 From Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they) to Everyone:
	Suggested questions: How do we bridge the barriers…
12:16:47 From Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they) to Everyone:
	On social media, online programming, onsite programming, and media resources?
12:17:55 From Cathy DeBerry (Bound Brook/SCLSNJ Branch Manager) to Everyone:
	Bound Brook library / SCLSNJ will be offering beginning in January a pilot program where we will be teaching low literacy Spanish speaking residents how to read and write in Spanish using a tool called Leamos.  As studies show when individuals are literate in their first language, it is much easier to learn English
12:19:06 From Rosy Wagner (she/her) to Everyone:
	https://www.languageline.com/s/Translation
12:19:23 From Cathy DeBerry (Bound Brook/SCLSNJ Branch Manager) to Everyone:
	At bound brook, all signage is in Spanish and English, and all staff who speak both Spanish and English wear name tags sayings Yo Hablo Espanol
12:19:39 From Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they) to Everyone:
	Cathy, I love the tag ideas!
12:19:46 From Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they) to Everyone:
	We have a button maker…maybe we should use it for something like that!
12:19:50 From Hebah Emara to Everyone:
	I can't speak right now - but one thing I've tried a lot is relying on Google Translate for Spanish for twitter posts and then asking for bilingual staff to sanity check translations for flyers. It's not a perfect solution. I've also had to translate myself (into Arabic) and I can say it is very hard to translate since it is very subjective - it's easier to edit a document than it is to do a straight translation.
12:20:09 From Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they) to Everyone:
	Please add to our shared page where people can access our notes and ideas later ! https://padlet.com/ce305/3wfeiymrbfyose10
12:20:18 From Debbie Walter (UPLNJ) to Everyone:
	What do you do if very few staff speak the language ? Other than hire new staff
12:22:57 From Rosy Wagner (she/her) to Everyone:
	Does anyone use pictograms instead of written language for a more universal experience with signage?
12:23:47 From Enola Romano @Montclair Public Library to Everyone:
	Any ideas/techniques for non-literate speakers of languages other than English?
12:24:21 From Debbie Walter (UPLNJ) to Everyone:
	I agree. IT is not just Spanish we need.
12:24:51 From Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they) to Everyone:
	Our library has a document that lists staff names, their language proficiencies, and contact information for staff to use in case they need assistance.
12:24:59 From Jessica Trujillo to Everyone:
	Does anyone financially compensate their staff for offering translation?
12:25:20 From Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they) to Everyone:
	@Jessica, beyond their salary, no. They translate during their work hours.
12:25:41 From Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they) to Everyone:
	EG, one staff member had hours added so she can translate for our Passport agents.
12:25:55 From Cathy DeBerry (Bound Brook/SCLSNJ Branch Manager) to Everyone:
	no, we do not financially compensate for translation, it is part of their job responsibilities
12:26:03 From Rosy Wagner (she/her) to Everyone:
	@Jessica same here, which is why we often opt to hire out- to not put undue work on someone whose job is not explicitly to translate
12:26:29 From Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they) to Everyone:
	Does anyone use services that are reasonably priced for translation that is accurate?
12:28:55 From Jessica Trujillo to Everyone:
	It's a great idea, Darby! :)
12:29:04 From Elizabeth Burns : NJSL TBBC to Everyone:
	it's not stealing, it's being inspired!
12:29:38 From Will Porter - Sussex County Library to Everyone:
	I'm interested in Jessica's compensation question. Can we circle back to that & discuss what it might look like?
12:29:57 From Hebah Emara to Everyone:
	Nice idea Darby! I will just add - it's easier to edit a translated document (even if it's just passed through google translate) sometimes than it is to translate from scratch *but* google translate is not great in every language
12:30:02 From Debbie Walter (UPLNJ) to Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they)(Direct Message):
	What is passport agent?
12:30:13 From Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they) to Debbie Walter (UPLNJ)(Direct Message):
	We have a passport office in our library.
12:30:29 From Debbie Walter (UPLNJ) to Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they)(Direct Message):
	Thanks
12:30:31 From Darby Malvey (she/her) to Everyone:
	That's a great point, Hebah
12:31:14 From Mary Fran Daley- Wharton Public Library to Everyone:
	Their hourly rate should probably be higher, too, I would think, depending on the titles.
12:32:04 From Hebah Emara to Everyone:
	I agree with extra compensation - also just because someone speaks a specific language doesn't mean they are comfortable translating so it's better not to assume that any bilingual staff person can translate comfortably
12:32:21 From Hebah Emara to Everyone:
	Maybe for a larger system hiring a dedicated translator (for print materials) may make sense?
12:33:21 From Nathalie Levine to Everyone:
	Great point, Hebah and Jessica: Translation is a specific skill.
12:35:05 From Debbie Walter (UPLNJ) to Everyone:
	So we are basically talking about Spanish. Al of us have multiple languages "walking" into the library. How do you handle it
12:35:14 From Hebah Emara to Everyone:
	In the last lightning talk session Mimi Lee (from State Library) mentioned the Cross Cultural Communicators in Libraries program that aimed to give bilingual library workers these types of skills, link > http://www.njstatelib.org/cccil
12:36:00 From Hebah Emara to Everyone:
	@Will - yes!!! Translation is much harder! Interpreting can be accomplished on the fly (if the person is comfortable) but translation is so subjective so it can take a long time
12:36:15 From Hebah Emara to Everyone:
	Certain phrases like "check out a book" don't translate well, for example
12:38:35 From Enola Romano @Montclair Public Library to Everyone:
	but it sounds like your staff was hired with that expectation but that isn't done across the board
12:39:13 From Debbie Walter (UPLNJ) to Everyone:
	With general staffing shortages in the market, adding bilingual, which we would like to do, is so much harder and if we need people asap...
12:39:45 From Rosy Wagner (she/her) to Everyone:
	@Debbie perhaps the answer is empowering staff to use translation services or learn basic library information in a few languages
12:40:08 From Hebah Emara to Everyone:
	@Cathy it is important to make that as transparent as possible. Reading and writing are different skills than speaking and listening. For example, I can speak fluent Arabic but my reading/writing is much weaker. If I was expected to translate I would have a very difficult time doing that.
12:40:40 From Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they) to Everyone:
	Please share some of these ideas on the Padlet! Not sure how the chat will be saved and shared: https://padlet.com/ce305/3wfeiymrbfyose10
12:41:15 From Theresa Agostinelli (she/her) to Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they)(Direct Message):
	can you copy and paste the chat transcript and send to me?
12:41:16 From Theresa Agostinelli (she/her) to Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they)(Direct Message):
	thanks
12:41:24 From Rosy Wagner (she/her) to Everyone:
	Maybe there is potential for a grant or grants to support libraries hiring bilingual staff for translation purposes, or empower staff to utilize translation services
12:42:16 From Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they) to Everyone:
	@Rosy, I love this idea.
12:42:33 From Rosy Wagner (she/her) to Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they)(Direct Message):
	Thanks!! Wonder who we can promote it to!
12:42:42 From Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they) to Everyone:
	Maybe consortia or state organizations can help pool also for interpretation services via phone, video, etc. if the staff part is not possible.
12:43:18 From Rosy Wagner (she/her) to Everyone:
	@Marco, does NBFPL have something like that in job descriptions?
12:43:19 From Will Porter - Sussex County Library to Everyone:
	Is the distinction between finding an applicant who happens to be bilingual vs. establishing a position whose role is explicitly tied to translating & interpreting?
12:43:31 From Mary Fran Daley- Wharton Public Library to Everyone:
	I have a question about outreach. We have an underserved Spanish-speaking community. I want to improve our offerings and make a real push to get them out.  How have you improved your services to groups that speak other languages? How have your outreach efforts been specific to groups in your communities?
12:44:48 From Enola Romano @Montclair Public Library to Everyone:
	so sorry I have to leave now
12:44:55 From Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they) to Everyone:
	Thank you for coming, Enola!
12:44:58 From * Marco Arias to Everyone:
	Rosy, I don't think NBFPL has that in the descriptions...
12:45:16 From Debbie Walter (UPLNJ) to Everyone:
	Would anyone be interested in helping our staff out training them (us) on translation services
12:45:24 From Eve Pasternak /S. Plainfield Public to Everyone:
	Do we have time to address Mary Fran's question?
12:45:33 From Rosy Wagner (she/her) to Everyone:
	@Mary as a person who speaks very little Spanish and regularly did outreach to the Spanish-speaking community of New Brunswick, I tried to team up with a bilingual staff member for those events. Kids and Teens often do the work of translating for their parents at family events.
12:45:40 From Tech Help - Melissa Hozik (she/they) to Everyone:
	“Bilingual a plus” seems to be in most of our librarian postings now (we have 20+ languages spoken in our Township)
12:45:54 From Rosy Wagner (she/her) to Everyone:
	@Mary now I make sure to have a translated flier or two promoting library services
12:46:20 From Debbie Walter (UPLNJ) to Everyone:
	ditto on May's question
12:48:13 From Jessica Trujillo to Everyone:
	my staff are currently working on short PSAs in Spanish introducing what the library can provide.
12:48:42 From Rosy Wagner (she/her) to Everyone:
	@Jessica love that!