BRIDGING THE GAPSJUNTOS @ THE BORDER

REFORMA, The National Association to promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking,
is pleased to announce that its 3rd National Conference will be hosted in El Paso, Texas.

The REFORMA 3rd National Conference will continue to reflect the spirit of inclusiveness of our previous national conferences while allowing us to share our collective knowledge, expertise and commitment to excellence in serving the need of the Latino and Spanish-speaking.

REFORMA, established in 1971 as an affiliate of ALA, is committed to the improvement of the full spectrum of library and information services to the growing population of Spanish speakers and Latinos in the United States.

The RNCIII conference theme emphasizes the diversity of issues not only in relation to libraries but the social, cultural and political aspects that surround, divide and bring our communities together.

As librarians we wish to explore the current status of library services to Latinos: the "digital divide"; Latino and Spanish language collections, outreach, the number of Latino professionals; the representation of Latinos in library  administration, boards, schools, etc.

As community members and because we are "@ the border" during this conference, we will explore the issues of services to immigrants, the socio-economical and political challenges face by Latinos and libraries in the U.S. and south of the border and the opportunities for collaboration with our colleagues.

We are meeting "@ the Border" to address the challenges and opportunities facing the diverse Latino populations on both sides of the border. Our aim is not only to illuminate the issues but also propose solutions for the improvement of library services in the United States, Mexico and Latin America.

Questions can be directed to Roxana Benavides, Co-Chair, rbenavidesreforma@yahoo.com or Carol Brey-Casiano
at breycx@elpasotexas.gov