Embracing the cultural identity of burgeoning ethnic groups in regional public libraries: A pilot project with the Punjabi Indian Community in the Riverina

Researchers from Charles Sturt’s School of Social Work and Arts, Dr Sabine Wardle and Associate Professor Karen Bell, and Dr Kasey Garrison from our School of Information and Communication Studies, have engaged with the Punjabi Indian community in the Riverina region of NSW. The engagement occurred as part of a project to enhance the planning and development of culturally relevant programs and collections for public libraries.

The project’s recommendations provided to the State Library of New South Wales include the provision of language classes, the introduction of games, music and cultural activities for children, the introduction of new social groups, acquisition of titles from overseas publishers to ensure language authenticity and involvement of community members in the planning and purchasing of acquisitions. The research team has already received expressions of interest to expand such programs to the African community within the Riverina region.