The Public Library And Popular Culture: A Strategy For Improving Literacy

Authors

  • Myriam Mejía Biblioteca Nacional de Colombia

Abstract

One strategy that is useful for public libraries that attempt to improve literacy is to partake in the popular culture of their communities. Library use will be increased, and reading skills will be raised, if the library becomes a focus of the community’s traditions and crafts. Specific programs are suggested to carry out this concept. Among these programs are the creation of resource files on community artists, authors, storytellers, and other representatives of the culture; and facilitating access to cultural information. Reading matter can be produced to match the reading skills most typical in the community. Success of this program in Colombia suggests that the image of the library is enhanced at the same time that reading and use of the library are increased.

Author Biography

Myriam Mejía, Biblioteca Nacional de Colombia

Sub–directora, Biblioteca Nacional de Colombia, Bogota.

Downloads

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (1990)

Section

Articles

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