Laura Conaway

LLT 350—Community Profile Assignment

As a school librarian, it is important to understand the demographics of the students one
is working with to provide a well-rounded and influential education for them. Therefore, I
surveyed the data from the United States Census Bureau on the city of Allentown in
Pennsylvania. After assessing the information and understanding the race/ethnicity, income,
poverty level, and accessibility to technology in this area, I developed three ideas that would
benefit students. Implementing material and programs into the library and its’ collection will
provide students the opportunity for exploration and diversity in a way that cannot be received
outside of the school environment.
Expanding upon the Spanish collection in the library will assist students in the knowledge
and understanding of this culture, especially with 50.6% of the population being
Hispanic/Latino. Some of these students may still be English language learners who have a
difficult time understanding and completing assignments in English. By providing bilingual
material and resources with information in Spanish, students will have an easier time with their
projects because they can focus on the objectives the teacher wants them to complete rather than
spending most of their time deciphering what the text is saying. In addition, incorporating
videos, lesson plans, and historical information about this culture will encourage diversity among
students and employees. Teachers can use lesson plans that guide them in teaching their
Hispanic/Latino students information in visual formats so that ideas are presented clearly and
effectively. By also having historical resources, everyone can gather knowledge on traditions,
customs, and social interactions to help them relate to and engage with these students.
Encouraging diversity and engagement with students of all backgrounds provides
incentive for collaboration and team work. One way to highlight this atmosphere is through
Makerspaces. They are becoming prominent in the library, and equipping students with these
resources will be beneficial for their creativity, imagination, invention, and problem-solving
skills. They can work together with peers to help each other in their thinking and design ideas.
Over 70% of this population has computers or access to Internet connection. However, because
the income is less than $40,000/year and the poverty rate is high, there may be less opportunities
for students to explore advanced technology and develop innovative ideas and implement them.
Adding a green screen, projector, hands-on building kits, and coding material will stimulate
critical thinking and encourage students to experiment with equipment they do not have access to
outside of the library.
Providing these resources that are less accessible is crucial. In addition to the income and
poverty statistics, incorporating community programs in the library for students and their
families will be useful. Setting up affordable events and activities helps students to explore areas
of interest while promoting unity within the school and surrounding area. Having a book fair,
poetry/fiction reading nights, movie premiere, and a library showcase for students and parents
are some examples. Engaging individuals in these activities fosters literacy and emphasizes the
important role of the library. Students can display the work they have completed throughout the
year and give input on their favorite books/movies, which can encourage discussion on a variety
of topics.
Through assessing information on demographics in a specific area, individuals can gather
resources that benefit the community. Without an understanding of peoples’ needs, the library
cannot serve and empower them. However, once statistics are realized, students and patrons will
have access to material in the library collection that helps them grow in knowledge, diversity,
and exploration of the world around them.
 Allentown City Demographics
School Library’s Role on Partnering with the Community

Population: 118,032 people

Race/Ethnicity Income/Poverty Level

14.10%
 2017 Average Income:
$38,522

59.20%  2017 Per Capita Income:

$19,024
50.60%

 Poverty: 27.3%

Caucasian Hispanic/Latino African American

Technology Accessibility

 Households with a computer: 83.3%

 Households with Internet: 71.7%

All information was accessed through the United States Census Bureau
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/allentowncitypennsylvania#