A Model for Spanish Language Services (PCI Webinar)

• 90 Minute PCI Webinar with Bobby Bothmann
• Official RDA Overview
• Wednesday, January 17, 2024 from 2:00 – 3:00 pm EST
• https://zoom.us/webinar/register/9716985205721/WN_dAMSfw-yTsSZ2rerd0t8gA

Learn about how the Fresno County Public Library created a model that works within their current structure providing an opportunity for staff at all levels to learn library jargon together. Understand that having a librarian who speaks, writes, and reads Spanish fluently work alongside library staff who they would typically not interact with has been a part of the work groups success.  

Discover how we established a safe, welcoming environment to gather information, learn skills, and edit library signage and written texts to further the mission of providing Spanish language users with the best possible experience regardless of the lack of Spanish-literate staff. 

The goals of this webinar are:  

• To persuade library systems to look at their current model and be intentional about language services practices 
• To persuade library systems to think about how they are currently doing translations and what they should plan for in the future 

This program is part of PCI’s collaborative learning project with California Libraries. (CALL) 

Deborah Bernal – Biography 

Deborah brings years of experience developing partnerships working with a variety of communities. Deborah has worked across sectors, including nonprofits, private business, and the public sector. In the private sector she managed day-to-day activities for a low-income telecommunications program that took her to 19 counties in Central California. Since October 2016 she has served as the Fresno County Public Library Literacy Coordinator. Deborah’s secret power is being Bilingual. 

Clarisa Bernabe – Biography  

Clarisa has experience as part of the collection development team as a selector helping to develop the Spanish collection in Fresno County the 6^th largest library system in California. During that time, she also co-founded the translation team (SNACK) and helped structure and standardize the process. She grew up in the Central Valley and is currently serving as a supervisor over Collection Development and Special Collections.