Language Kit

PolyTalk Language Kit

As the number of limited English proficient patrons continues to grow, librarians have an increasing need for a simple tool to bridge the language gap. The PolyTalk Language Kit was designed to provide this solution in a simple, compact format that offers quick answers to the informational and directional questions visitors ask most. The PolyTalk Language Kit enables librarians and patrons to work through a series of picture and bilingual cards using a point-and-read system. The Language Kits are currently in production. Please send your email address to PolyTalk and we will notify you when they become available.

PolyTalk Language Kit

The PolyTalk Language Kit guides the users through several steps to ensure effective communication. Using the Language Kit, a librarian can:

• Identify the patron's language
• Determine the patron’s need and provide a response for simple requests
• Explain the PolyTalk interpretation service to the patron before library staff searches for and contacts a volunteer interpreter

In addition, the following pieces are included in each Language Kit:

• A multilingual poster to promote awareness of PolyTalk services to limited English proficient patrons
• A simple training manual for library staff
• Response/feedback cards to improve the system
  

This innovative solution was designed with the following criteria in mind:

Access
Based on the most commonly spoken languages in Illinois, the PolyTalk Language Kit allows users from around the world to simply point to their language on a quick reference chart for more information in their native language.

Dialogue
The PolyTalk Language Kit facilitates communication in both directions. Visitors can identify their question by number and librarians can identify their response, in a non-threatening way that crosses the language hurdle.

Function
Each Language Kit uses minimal words with simple icons and color schemes to eliminate frustration and communicate information quickly. The kit communicates to the patron that the librarian can call an interpreter to help with communication.

Level
There are many different levels of communication. For those with low levels of literacy, the Language Kit uses pictures to communicate very basic needs. For others, short sentences express concepts in a way that is easy to digest. This flexible solution allows librarians to respond to each patron on the level that best meets their needs.