The Literacy Resource Center in East Chicago Public Library
Audrey C. Robinson-Nkongola
Info 640-901
Introduction
East Chicago, Indiana’s per capita income is $13,000. The unemployment rate of East
Chicagoans over the age of 16 is 10% in 2006-2008 (Census, n.d.). In 2003, 75% of East Chicagoans
have low literacy skills (Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council, 2004). In 2008, 53.9% of East
Chicago students graduated from high school (“Facts: Schools”, n.d.). These facts are disturbing. East
Chicago is on economic and academic decline. The decline will be cyclical unless this downward spiral is
not halted. East Chicago Public Library (ECPL) is committed to assisting the community. One of the
ways, ECPL can assist the community is by providing a literacy center in its facility. The purpose of the
Literacy Resource Center is to help East Chicagoans improve reading and information literacy skills. The
goals of Literacy Resource are to 1) increase information literacy in adults and high school students; 2)
increase literacy or reading rates in school age children; and 3) increase computer literacy in adults who
have who have limited or no computer skills. ECPL plans on accomplishing these goals by providing
several programs that are cater to each of the goals. These programs are as follows: 1) provide workshops
in searching the web and other sources; 2) a summer reading program for school age children; and 3)
provide workshops on basic computer skills for adults. Before providing a rational for the spending on
these programs, background information on the Literacy Resource Center will be provided.
The Literacy Resource Center (LRC) at East Chicago Public Library grew out of need to serve
the community. The librarians, board members, trustees, school teachers, and principals, as well as
community members convened to discuss the low literacy rates in the community. They understood
literacy in the 21st century was not just about reading, but about information and computer literacy.
Therefore, they brainstormed about ways to improve all three aspects of literacy in East Chicago. The
Literacy Resource Center was developed. The LRC is a room in the library that contains books and media
items on developing reading, information, and computer skills. In addition, the LRC has ten computers
with Internet connections as well as the Microsoft Office 2007 package. Patrons can come into the LRC
for assistance during normal library operating hours, 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday,
Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The next section will provide information on the importance
of program as well as the rational for the allocation of cost for each item.
Program 1: Information Literacy for high students and adults
In order to rationalize the program for information literacy, an understanding of what information
is a definition of the term is required. The term information literacy dates back to 1974, in which
Zurkowski placed this idea in the context of a workplace to mean the ability to obtain “economic and
workplace goals, and the ability to use information to solve problems” (qtd in Lloyd and Williamson,
2008). A current definition of information literacy is a person who can identify her own needs, find the
appropriate information to meet those needs, and to evaluate the information’s accuracy and currency.
Why is it important for patrons to be taught information literacy? In the 21st century, patrons are
bombarded with information from every media outlet and device imaginable. They need to know how to
discern what is relevant and accurate. This information literacy does not just entail searching library
databases for information, although that is a part of it. East Chicagoans must be able to make informed
decisions about their elected officials, the school board members, and loan applications for a second
mortgage. The ECPL and the Literacy Resource Center are natural choices to help East Chicago residents
to become information literate citizens. The detail budget for Program 1, Information Literacy Costs is in
Appendix A.
The $95,000 in the book and subscription column is for online databases. This annual fee
is for ten databases, i.e. EbscoHost and LexisNexis at $9,500 each. Patrons will be able to access
medical, legal, business, and health information. Some databases can be access at the patron’s
home by logging into the East Chicago library’s website. Other databases can only be access
inside the library. These databases are valuable resources to patrons, because they will be able to
find reliable and accurate information. These databases and the workshops will help ECPL
patrons make informed decisions concerning their lives and their community. The information
professional for the LRC will be maintaining databases and contacting vendors if a problem
occurs with databases.
Program 2
Understandably, summer reading loss or “summer setback” is a
bigger for children from low-income families. Their reading
achievement typically declines an average of three months between
June and September, while that of typical middle-class students
improves or remains the same. This means that a summer reading
loss of three months accumulates to a crucial two-year gap by the
time kids are in the middle school, even if their schools are equally
effective. (McGill-Franzen-Allington).
Summer setback can be avoided. School children in the East Chicago can have access to books
through the library. The Summer Reading program will foster families to read with their
children and promote literacy as well as lifelong learning in families. Five percent ($5,000) of
the book will be given to families who read the most books. The rest of books ($45,000) will be
added to the collection to support the program.
Program 3
In the 21st century, technology is a part of everyday life. The array of technology or
computers affects every aspect of life, i.e. IPods, cell phones, unemployment claims, and, in
some cases, employers expect candidates to fill out an application for employment on a kiosk.
Therefore, to know how to operate a computer is essential. Unfortunately, many people who do
not have the financial means to own a computer are locked out of many opportunities. In
addition, if a person does not know how to operate a computer he/she may not be able to apply
for a job. With unemployment at 10% and the per capita income is $13,000, no one in East
Chicago can afford to be denied employment due to lack of computer skills. Therefore, ECPL, as
a public entity, can and should help patrons learn how to operate computers.
The Basic
Computers Program will help adults to learn how to operate a mouse, explain what an URL
address is as well as teach basic formatting in Microsoft Office Word 2007. The computers in
the LRC are equipped with Word 2007. Therefore, the amount of $6,000 for books and
subscriptions are materials, such CDs that patrons can practice with once they have attended a
workshop. In addition, the money will fund basic computer books and DVDs. The combination
of these materials will help students to learn and recall what they have learned. See Appendix D
for complete information concerning the cost of this program.
New Services and Programs
In keeping with the goals of Literacy Resource Center, the center’s two new services
propose to offer tutoring for reading and English speakers as Second Language (ESL) classes.
These programs support the goals of literacy by helping adults and school age children with their
reading. In addition, the ESL program helps non-English speakers with learning English and
confidently communicating with others in the community in which they live. By providing these
services, ECPL will be helping its citizens to become more literate as well as become a stronger
community.
Tutoring Program
Tutoring program will be a part of the LRC. Therefore, the information professional will
be the coordinator over the program. In addition, two part-time tutors, working twenty hours a
week on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, will provide assistance in reading to patrons of the lab.
One of the part-time employees will be a child development, English, or education work-study
from three local colleges, i.e. Ivy Tech Community, Indiana University Northwest, or Purdue
Calumet to reduce salary costs. The full-time clerk will make appointments for the tutors as
provide clerical assistance, such as photocopying, providing general information about the lab,
and answering the phone calls for the lab when a tutor is not available.
Since the lab will be located in the LRC. At this time, no additional space will be
required. The tutoring lab will need books and audiovisual materials in order to facilitate and to
retain the patrons’ reading skills.
Tutoring Lab Program Budget
Subscriptions/Books
Supplies
Copier paper, @$60 per book
Pencils
Pens
Salaries
Information Professional
Part-time Tutor
Work-Study Part-time
Subtotal
Organizational overhead, @ 21%
Total
$ 6,000
$ 1,800
$ 200
$ 200
$ 36,000
$ 7,540
$ 7,540
$ 51,740
$ 10,865
$ 62,605
ESL (English as a Second Language)
The ESL program will also be located in the LRC. Therefore, the information
professional will be the coordinator over this program. In addition, two part-time employees will
be needed to assist ESL patrons. Both of the part-time employees will be fluent in Spanish and
English. One of these, part-time employees will be a work-study student from Indiana University
Northwest or Purdue Calumet. These employees will provide one-to-one as well small group
help. The ESL will need books and videos in order to teach patrons how to communicate in
English.
ESL Program Budget
Subscriptions/Books
Supplies
Copier paper, @$60 per book
Pencils
Pens
Salaries
Information Professional
Part-time Tutor
Work-Study Part-time
Subtotal
Organizational overhead, @
21%
Total
$ 2,000
$ 1,000
$200
$200
$ 20,000
$ 7,540
$ 7,540
$ 30,940
$ 6,497
$ 37,437
Salary Increases
In 2008, when Literacy Resource Center first opened its doors to patrons, it only had
twenty people who used the center. In 2010, LRC services 150 people. This demand of LRC
services has increased the number of people visiting the library and the use of its materials. In
addition, the LRC has become an outreach center for patrons to find information concerning
programs and services inside and outside of the LRC and the library. The information
professional, Sandy Muyumba, has been advocate for the library and the LRC in the community.
She visits schools and community centers to inform the community about the center. Therefore,
the board of trustees believe she deserve 4% raise increase.
Carmen Gonzalez, part-time paraprofessional, has worked to ensure that patrons’ needs
are meet. She tirelessly assists patrons in the LRC. As result of the increase in patrons visiting
the LRC, Gonzalez is called upon frequently assist patrons when Sandy Muyumba is not
available. Therefore, she also deserves a 4% pay increase.
Karen Spielmann, full-time clerk, worked load has doubled. Although her work load has
doubled over the past two years, she continues to assist Muyumba and Gonzalez in her clerical
duties. In addition, Spielmann take classes in Spanish to communicate with the Hispanic/Latino
population. Therefore, she also deserves a 4% pay increase.
References
Demographics. (n.d.). City of East Chicago, Indiana. Retrieved from
http://www.eastchicago.com/departments/economic_development/demographics.html
Facts:
Schools.
(n.d.).
City
of
East
Chicago,
Indiana.
Retrieved
from
http://www.eastchicago.com/resource_center/quick_facts/
McGill-Franzen, A., & Allington, R. (2003, May/June). Bridging the summer reading gap: A
break from books can mean big losses for at-risk readers, but schools can help keep pages
turning and minds sharp. Instructor, 112(8), 17.
Appendix A – 2010 Literacy Resource Center Budget
Literacy Resource Center
2010 Program Budget
Line Item Expenses
Subscriptions and Books
Total
Operating
Budget
Program #2
Program #1
Summer
Information
Reading
Literacy
Program
Program #3
Basic
Computer
Class
$ 156,000 $ 100,000 $ 50,000 $
6,000
Supplies (including photo copies) $
9,300 $
650 $
8,000 $
650
Phone, fax, postage
$
4,500 $
250 $
4,000 $
250
Staff Travel
$
1,200 $
50 $
1,100 $
50
Subtotal
$ 171,000 $ 100,950 $ 63,100 $
6,950
Salaries
$ 107,400 $ 28,600 $ 50,200 $ 28,600
Benefits @ 38%
$ 40,812 $ 10,868 $ 19,076 $ 10,868
Subtotal
$ 319,212 $ 140,418 $ 132,376 $ 46,418
Organizational Overhead @ 21%
$ 67,035 $ 29,488 $ 27,799 $
Total
$ 386,247 $ 169,906 $ 160,175 $ 56,166
9,748
Appendix B – Information Literacy Program
2010 Information Literacy Program
Subscriptions and Books
Databases
Books, Pamphlets
$ 95,000
$ 5,000
Supplies
Printing-Flyers/Newsletters
$
650
$
$
$
200
50
Phone, Fax, Postage
Phone
Fax
Postage
Travel@ .25 per mile
Mileage
Subtotal
$
50
$ 100,950
Salaries
Information Professional
$
19,000
Part-time Paraprofessional
$
5,100
Full-time Clerical
$
4,500
Total Salaries
$ 28,600
$ 10,868
$ 39,468
$ 140,418
$ 29,488
$ 169,906
Benefits@ 38%
Total Salaries and Benefits
Subtotal
Organizational Overhead @ 21%
Total
Appendix C – Summer Reading Program Budget
2010 Summer Reading Program
Subscriptions and Books
$
50,000
Subtotal
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
300
150
200
150
220
200
1,500
100
300
250
300
500
350
150
500
380
450
2,000
8,000
Phone, Fax, Postage
Phone
Fax
Postage
Subtotal
$
$
$
$
200
3,800
4,000
$
$
1,100
1,100
Books
Supplies
Constructi on paper
Napki ns
Gl ue
Pl asti c pl ates
Kni ves, Forks, Spoons
Pl asti c cups
Copi er paper @ $6.00 per ream, 10 i n a box
Penci l s
Chi l d Fri endl y Sci ssors
Crayons
Fi nger Pai nts
Promoti onal T-Shi rts 25 @ $20 each
Yarn
Vari ous Sti ckers (Pre-l abel ed)
Di gi tal Camera
Batteri es - Di gi tal camera
Novel ty pens/penci l s/toys
Heal thy Snacks for weekl y programs
Travel@ .25 per mile
Mi l eage
Subtotal
Salaries
Informati on Professi onal
Part-ti me Paraprofessi onal
Ful l -ti me Cl eri cal
Subtotal
Benefi ts@ 38%
Total of Salaries and Benefits
Subtotal
Organi zati onal Overhead @ 21%
Total
$ 28,600
$ 15,000
$
6,600
$ 50,200
$ 19,076
$ 69,276
$ 132,376
$ 27,799
$ 160,175
Appendix D – Basic Computer Classes
2010 Basic Computer Classes Budget
Subscription/Books
$
6,000
Supplies
$
650
Phone Fax Postage
$
250
Staff Travel,@ .25 per mile
$
50
Subtotal
$
6,950
Information Professional
$
19,000
Part-time Paraprofessional
$
5,100
Full-time Clerical
$
4,500
Subtotal
$
28,600
Benefits @ 38%
$
10,868
Total of Benefits/Salaries
$
39,468
Subtotal
$
46,418
Organizational Overhead @ 21% $
8,288
Salaries
Total
$
94,174