[Libs-Or] Serving New Americans: Opportunities for Libraries to promote Citizenship Resources

[Arlene Weible]

As part of their Serving New Americans initiative, the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has partnered with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to promote citizenship information resources through libraries. There are a number of activities and training opportunities<http://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/organizations/libraries> being promoted through this initiative, but I wanted to highlight a couple that I think would be of particular interest to libraries in Oregon.

Order a free Civics and Citizenship Toolkit<http://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/organizations/civics-and-citizenship-toolkit> for your library
USCIS offers a free toolkit that contains immigration and civics publications, handbooks, multimedia tools, and a quick start guide<http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/files/Toolkit_Quick_Start_Guide.pdf> with ideas for use. This is a great "getting started" resource and may be used to:

  *   Provide basic information to the immigrant community
  *   Develop content for classes
  *   Train staff and volunteers

Order your free toolkit at: http://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/organizations/civics-and-citizenship-toolkit

Establish a Citizenship Corner
USCIS can partner with libraries to help provide materials for establishing a "Citizenship  Corner" to highlight citizenship resources. Below are pictures of a couple of examples of what these displays may look like in the library. The partnerships can take the form of just providing space for promotional materials, or be more formal, such as the partnership between USCIS and the Los Angeles Public Library System<http://www.uscis.gov/news/uscis-and-los-angeles-expand-immigrant-integration-efforts-citys-73-public-libraries-citizenship-corners>. If you are interested in exploring the options, please contact our region's USCIS Community Relations Officer, Christine Pool. <Christine.A.Pool at uscis.dhs.gov<mailto:Christine.A.Pool at uscis.dhs.gov>> or 206-965-4417

[MIDVAL citizenship.jpg][MA CC.jpg]

Host a naturalization information session or an administrative naturalization ceremony in your library
Got a meeting room? Hosting a naturalization event is a great way to introduce new citizens to library resources! Again, Christine Pool<mailto:Christine.A.Pool at uscis.dhs.gov> can work with you to schedule a session for your library.

Other ideas and resources for libraries are available on a web page USCIS designed specifically for libraries:
http://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/organizations/libraries. I encourage you explore this site and consider what your library might do to promote citizenship resources in your community.


Arlene Weible
Electronic Services Consultant
Oregon Federal Regional Depository Coordinator
Library Development Services
Oregon State Library
250 Winter St NE
Salem OR, 97301
503-378-5020
arlene.weible at state.or.us<mailto:arlene.weible at state.or.us>
http://www.oregon.gov/osl/LD/Pages/technology/sdlp/index.aspx



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