For Immediate Release January, 1999

REFORMA, National Association to Promote Library Services to the Spanish-Speaking, an affiliate of the American Library Association (ALA), will host the Second Reforma National Conference (RNC II) , August 3-6, 2000 in Tucson, Ariz.

The conference theme, "The Power of Language: Planning for the 21st Century," highlights REFORMA's commitment to the promotion of library services to the Latino and Hispanic communities in the U.S. The Spanish language unifies a very large and growing population that includes very different cultures, heritage and histories.

"Language is powerful as a system of communication, and is one of the strengths of the Latino community," said Susana Hinojosa, RNC II chairperson.

The conference will focus on all types of library services, including collection development,children's services, community outreach, etc., and also issues such as bilingualism and the recruitment of minority librarians. It will embrace communication in its simplest form to the most technologically advanced modes and allow for examination of how librarians, educators, parents,community institutions, and political leaders need to plan for the future and capitalize on the power of this community.

Hinojosa said Tucson was selected as the conference site, in part, because of its Latino historic significance and because of strong local chapter and public and university library support for the conference.

Hinojosa also noted that the Tucson hotel and conference facilities will allow for a total focus on the REFORMA Conference with registration, meeting rooms, exhibits and hotel rooms all centered in one large hotel site next to the Tucson Conference Center.

Meetings will be held at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia for individuals interested in joining the planning and discussion of RNC II. The meetings will be held Saturday, January 30, from 2-5p.m.; Sunday, January 31, from 10 a.m. -1 p.m.; and Tuesday February 2, from 9 a.m. - noon.

For more information, contact Susana Hinojosa at shinojos@berkeley.edu or 510-643-9347.
 

Copyright © 1999, American Library Association.

Last Modified: Monday, 22-Mar-1999 12:30:49