Library Services to Multicultural Populations through the Lens of History: A Literature Review

Abstract

In today's increasingly globalized and interconnected world, libraries play a critical role in the integration of their culturally and ethnically diverse service populations into the mainstream of American society. This literature review traces the historical development of culturally responsive library service from its earliest format, readers advisory, to contemporary forms of library support available to multicultural communities. Current policy response to specific issues involved in library work with multicultural constituencies is also examined, along with the contributions of such work to the ongoing interdisciplinary global citizenship discourse.