WHAT‟S NEW? DISSOLVING BOUNDARIES:
A ROADMAP TO AFRICAN AMERICAN AND DIVERSITY RESOURCES
http://www.araadr.org/resorlik.php

"When we lose the right to be different, we lose the privilege to be free."
Charles Evans Hughes, Chief Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court

By Sherry Sherrod DuPree, Ed.S. Santa Fe College Gainesville, Florida

A Roadmap to African American and Diversity Resources (ARAADR) was established with 58 links in 1995 for Black History Month. The ARAADR is a massive database that contains information on issues of interest to all cultures observing Black History Month, Martin Luther King, Jr.‟s Birthday, and similar occasions in Central America and African cultures. Each year this site takes the official theme from the Association for the Study of African American Life & History. The well-received ARAADR directory of diverse web resources provides over 2,600 links that enable the user to browse the Library of Congress (LC) or Dewey Decimal (DD) subject categories. Quotations, flags of states and countries as well as pictures are available to enhance each classification section. This ARAADR database features quality links to primary and secondary documents, archives, libraries, maps, images, and more, including news media, museums, educational institutions, genealogies, information on civil rights and academic disciplines. ARAADR also offers a ready reference section. The site is accessible to handicapped users which means it is “Bobby Approved.” To ensure reliability, librarians or subject specialists evaluate all links and appraise materials such as books on electronic formats. This site is at the cutting edge of current trends in the reference world. This site has discovered how technology and outreach working together can form an effective and impressive information database of ethnic resources.

Over 2,500 libraries in the United States and other countries are using ARAADR as a reference and as a classroom tool to enhance learning. (See portals to black history web site http://www.araadr.org/source.php.) Over 900 professionals, including librarians, administrators, K-12 teachers, college and university professors, parents, and community leaders have been trained in the use of this free directory that can be accessed anywhere in the world. This site has been maintained with a Youth Employment Service (YES) summer program student and the Santa Fe College Educational Document Development office. Both help by adding new resources and removing dead links.

Advantages of Internet Directories

Rapidly escalating numbers of students are taking online courses and changing the delivery of higher education. According to the U.S. Department of Education, over 72% of public two-year institutions offer distance education (Carnevale, 2000). DuPree finds that library literature supports a library trend towards the use of Internet directories because of subject classification and the ease in using electronic information. ARAADR assures the information seekers (info-seeker) that the links are reliable and timely. Student with poor search skills often overlook useful links; those links can be found on directories like ARAADR, leading students to relevant, authoritative information. Academic resources like ARAADR provides reliable Internet resources to info-seekers, especially students, and serves as a resource for private and public sector leaders at the local, state and national levels.

Location of the ARAADR web site

ARAADR new website is located at http://www.araadr.org. To find ARAADR at the Santa Fe College, Lawrence W. Tyree Library, go to http://www.sfcollege.edu/library/ and click on the third red dot, Virtual Reference Desk. Then, click on social science, page down to African American Resources, and locate ARAADR. An alternative and perhaps easier way is to go to the Santa Fe College web site, http://www.sfcollege.edu, click on the index, page down to “A,” and select to African American Studies. Florida‟s College Center for Library Automation (CCLA) has entered ARAADR as a resource on Florida's “Ask A Librarian,” a free online reference service for Florida‟s 17 million citizens that celebrated its one-year anniversary on July 28, 2004. In 2003, Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), a nonprofit, membership, computer library service and research organization, also made ARAADR available to its subscribers. More than 50,000 libraries in 84 countries and territories around the world use OCLC services. Go to any search engine and enter “A Roadmap to African American and Diversity Resources” to retrieve a world of resources.

ARAADR Presentations and Workshops for Librarians

For librarians, DuPree has presented workshops giving continuing education credit on the use of this web site since 1997, including presentations at several network support libraries in geographical districts such as the Northeast Florida Library Network, (NEFLIN) in Orange Park, Florida, the Southern Library Network (SOLINET) in Atlanta, the Tampa Bay Library Consortium (TBLC), the Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN) in Fort Lauderdale, the Southwest Florida Library Network (SWFLN) in Fort Myers, and PALINET in Philadelphia which covers the New England states to Maine. Managing ARAADR is very different from managing other databases that have infrastructure programs to help with maintenance. Software, and network techniques necessary to provide reliable access will be explained. The desire to stay away from various commercial links will be discussed. These ARAADR workshops are designed for learning to find and manage resources. These ARAADR workshops help participants understand and describe their library‟s contribution to diversity and it gives tools to communicate the value of one‟s library service to users. DuPree describes the methodology, construction, and maintenance of this directory. These workshops are given to empower our educators, students and info-seekers by encouraging them to be aware and use directories.

General Presentations and Hands-On Workshops of ARAADR

Uses of the ARAADR are many: it is good for professional growth, info-seekers, class projects and groups. In the workshops, educators learn techniques to maximize time and effectiveness with resources that will make the day-to-day management and use of minority biography information easier. A special black history site entitled Articles, A-Z Biographies by Britannica is demonstrated showing short cuts to finding information, it is easy to use and is excellent for all levels of learning, including elementary students. These ARAADR workshops focus on subject searching using the Library of Congress (LC) and the Dewey Decimal (DD) classification with an alphabetical (A-Z) approach to the United States and countries. The workshop participants learn basic skills on how to use the ready reference section, especially the LC web sites. Many info-seeker‟s e-mails and telephone calls express that they have never used the LC and ARAADR makes it easy to research several related links in a short time. This workshop points out that webseeker's like the free LC full-text documents and “University of Virginia‟s free e-books sources,” they have not been able to locate on other free web searches. One of ARAADR objectives is to provide quality resources and information to the user in a timely manner. These hands-on practical ARAADR presentation helps attendees (teachers, students, community leaders, administrators, etc.) understand the structure of the site and how to teach information literacy to info-seekers. Many important questions are addressed, such as: what can participants take back and use right away, how participants can plan for special diversity programs such as a black history course or what services can be accessed to increase information literacy. The ARAADR workshops are excellent for information literacy on all subject areas, especially intellectual diversity. The participants will meet online links that will change their experience in locating African American and diversity resources. These ARAADR workshops offer practical methods for spreading the word and delivering the service to an increasingly demanding and needful population. These ARAADR interactive presentations allow an opportunity for discussion and answers. Join the 21st Century and learn to meet the challenges of providing really extraordinary info-seeker service to a growing population.

ARAADR Links to Enhance Learning

Many students have used ARAADR to help them pass the high school equivalency test, GED. The ARAADR will give teachers and students an opportunity to explore web pages that can be used to support studying: for example, an instructor created an information sphere (info-sphere) for her GED class. It included writer‟s links, mathematical formulas and social issues. This teacher established a digital content or an online index for these students using ARAADR. Students are able to work independently at their own pace to learn special skills. This is an excellent hands-on web site for literacy practitioners such as librarians and teachers who supplement their library collections and teaching syllabus with reliable current Internet resources. One of Governor Jeb Bush‟s initiatives entitled “Florida‟s Front Porches,” gave its staff ARAADR training on using this free web site for Florida community needs such as after-school programs, adults career changes and school retention support. In addition, ARAADR has a worldwide appeal. Japanese/English has included ARAADR on their Subjects List: Japanese/English and the DutchESS: Dutch Electronic Subject Service - Netherlands. The Indonesia Publications Homepage subheading “U.S. Social Groups and Organizations” has listed ARAADR as the prime selection. Over three hundred black studies programs, mainly at colleges and universities, have added this site. The ARAADR areas receiving the highest number of hits are: financial aid and scholarships, biography section, African American collections including archives and museums. The Library of Congress links and other government links also receive a high number of hits. Family, political science and civil rights are heavily used areas. Brown vs. the Board of Education for 2004 and other related civil rights issues are used extensively in Debra Holmes-Howard‟s history classes at Santa Fe Community College. Many African American non-profit organizations link to ARAADR such as: The Tribune Society, Inc., of the Courts of New York, which is a fraternal organization of African Americans and other minority judicial and non-judicial court personnel; the Kansas City of Black Journalist which makes connections to the local community; and Black Family a site that links to ARAADR as a homework site for children and for parents who want to keep up with diverse issues. Black Issues in Higher Education, February 2004, in an annotated list of activities at institutions in the United States and the Caribbeans for Black History Month included an ARAADR workshop at Norfolk State University for the local community, the student body and history classes, a program directed by Dr.Gwendolyn Pharr.

ARAADR Links Used for Health Care

The ARAADR links are used for many subject areas. Of special concern is health literacy for minorities. Many minority students and adults have difficulty with asking for help in locating information on personal health care. An ARAADR info-seeker sent an email saying they appreciated not having to communicate with a librarian; they can learn of their health needs in privacy. It is equally important for students to be familiar with dictionaries that will explain techniques and terminology surrounding critical health needs. Culture & Health: Online and Print Sources, prepared for students enrolled in nursing 212 and other courses at the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, have linked to ARAADR with a second link to ARAADR's R-Medicine section. Several rural health clinics in underdeveloped and underserved areas have added ARAADR's RMedicine to their bookmarks. For example, in Mississippi, the Mallory (Arenia C.) Community Health Center, serving rural Holmes and Carroll counties. In Ocala, Central Florida Community College, the Hampton Campus, director, Dr. Beverly Robinson and the Howard Academy Community Center, director, Mr. H.C. DuPree, collaborate in a community initiative entitled “African American Men and Their Health.” ARAADR's RMedicine section is demonstrated and the uniform record locator (URL) is given in their handouts and on an ARAADR‟s bookmark.

Reviews of ARAADR

In 2000, Librarians' Index to the Internet: Information You Can Trust Lii.org stated that ARAADR has many links related to the African-American experience, organized by region and topic. In October 2002, Bibliographic Coordinator, Nancy Allen at the University of South Florida/Sarasota-Mantee, reviewed the ARAADR for Choice Magazine. Allen praised the quotations, graphics, and high quality links useful for exploring African and African American history and culture. She said the site has something for everyone. In January 2003, Santa Fe College‟s Office of News and Publications distributed a news release concerning ARAADR entitled “DuPree Creates African-American Internet Resources.” Soon afterwards, info-seekers wanted to know more. Various types of centers and libraries linked to ARAADR, for example, school libraries, college and university libraries, prison libraries, church schools, home schools, after-school centers, corporations, group homes, military schools, government agencies, and business training centers. Students seeking liberal art degrees and taking online courses added this link to their bookmarked sites. Producers of packages for elearning have added ARAADR because it is current and access is free, it is seamless since it is not a proprietary electronic service requiring a site license. More and more info-seekers are self-sufficient, and they are expecting information to be immediately available electronically. They are seeking free online directories with high quality information. ARAADR is assisting info-seekers with an index of resources covering all subject areas. The site is providing service to users that its creator will never know or communicate with directly. Usually, info-seekers‟ e-mails or telephone calls suggest another link to add or give comments on how ARAADR has supported their research. Info-seekers have sent many questions requiring an answer or direction to additional information. The site has earned widespread recognition and praise. In January 2004, Seton Catholic Central High School in Binghamton, New York, named ARAADR “Site of the Week” on the school‟s virtual library links. Students sent a written note of thanks and commented on the site‟s in-depth links. In January 2004, INFOSCOPE: a Monthly newsletter of D.L. Cohen Information Services, News and tips for locating and managing information in Portland, Oregon, featured ARAADR as “Resource-of-the-Month.”

Summary

ARAADR is a powerful research and learning tool. The ARAADR workshops cover a wide range of interests and experiences. Come and learn about the wide variety of ARAADR resources available. The roles of librarians have changed significantly in the last decade. The explosive growth of the Internet and resource materials has dynamically increased the range of possibilities for satisfying info-seekers‟ demands. Our librarians and educators are “Information Brokers” and in order to satisfy student needs we have to adjust our methods to the future. Students need to know that ARAADR resources exist and how to use them. Because time management is critical to infoseekers, they are expecting information available to them electronically. ARAADR is a web site supporting subject areas and cultures. This site is bridging the gap for information literacy in diversity.

With online classes and e-learning at all levels of learning, this ARAADR web site provides useful information, thereby increasing info-seeker‟s success. ARAADR is great for improving academic performance thereby making info-seekers more efficient learners. ARAADR helps to make learning meaningful by identifying important information and presenting it with effective techniques including visuals and quotations in the indexes. What‟s new is an evolving educational culture of technology that is enhancing learning at all ages and for life. ARAADR is a highly interactive tool. It is dissolving boundaries in sharing learning and cultural appreciation.

Originator of Site

Sherry Sherrod DuPree‟s advocacy role in the development of “A Roadmap to African American and Diversity Resources” (ARAADR) directory exemplifies the best practices of teachers and bibliographic instruction coordinators who help decide what is needed in 21st century education. DuPree is speaking for diversity teachers, students and info-seekers with limited advocacy experience who need special quality materials. This personal testimony from Dr. Carmine Bell, Pasco-Hernando Community College, Dade City, Florida, was shared with the Florida Association of Community Colleges (FACC) Library Awards Committee:

“DuPree has extensive experience conducting workshops for various library networks groups, position as chair of the Rosewood Forum and archivist for the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Detroit. Her connections with museums professionals, and entrepreneurship with Displays for Schools have made her a wellspring of creative ideas for presentation. DuPree has the vision, enthusiasm, and breadth of experience of a leader, and she is also a cooperative, resourceful 'team player.' DuPree has a reputation for delivering excellent staff development programs for her professional peers as well as effective bibliographic instruction for community college students. For many years, DuPree has demonstrated her commitment to librarianship, education and informed citizenship. She is an exemplar of dedicated service to library patrons, community college students, and her fellow librarians. In particular, I have been impressed with DuPree‟s cooperation in helping the new Florida Library Association (FLA) Museums and Cultural Heritage Interest Group develop a proposal for a 2004, FLA Pre-Conference Workshop and a full Conference session. On March 22, 2004: Preconference to the Florida Library Association Annual Conference held at BethuneCookman College, Daytona Beach. “A Roadmap to African-American Resources,” was presented in a half-day workshop featuring Brown vs. Board of Education. This workshop received excellent reviews highlighting how DuPree treats all whom she encounters with genuine good will, friendliness, and is courteous.” (2,709 words)

References:

A Roadmap to African American and Diversity Resources, Bookmark.http://www.araadr.org/resorlik.php(15 March 2006).

Bell, Carmine. “Vibrant Voices – Vital Libraries, Professional Development PreConference Workshop FLA Museums & Cultural Heritage Interest Group, Florida Library Association (FLA),” 81st Annual Conference & Exposition. Theme: Brown vs. the Board of Education (50 Years). Daytona Beach, Florida: Bethune-Cook man College, March 22, 2004.

Carnevale, D. “Survey Finds 72% Rise in Number of Distance Education Programs.” The Chronicle of Higher Education, (1 January 2000): A57.

Choice Reviewed Free URLs www.lawrence.edu/fast/magnov/Choicepage.html (13 September 2004).

Florida's Ask A Librarian, Search Onlinehttp://www.askalibrarian.org( 13 September 2004). Mallory (Arenia C.) Community Health Center. Lexington, Mississippi.http://www.mallorychc.org(21 November 2006).