ESL students and american libraries

Abstract

The number of students taking English as a Second Language (ESL), attending American colleges, and using American libraries is growing rapidly. Because these students represent various cultures in ivhich English is not the native tongue and because their past library experiences differ considerably from those of American students, ESL instructors and library personnel must consider the best way to communicate effectively with them. Too often American library professionals have difficulty "code-switching" in order to accommodate the students' needs and resort to familiar but ineffective patterns. Analogy, universal humor, hands-on experience, and an integrated program involving ESL and library personnel can effectively cope with the difficulties and differences, making library use easier and more pleasant.