This is something I have thought about quite a lot in Dripping. We have a lot of requests for ESL programs (not necessarily software) not created exclusively for Spanish-speakers. The language-learning issue is one that seems to crop up a lot. The reason that I think about it is because I often am called upon to speak to people who don't speak English well. I am a avid consumer (library and retail) of language products and have tried a ridiculous number of them.
The series that seems most often requested is the "Muzzy" series. It is for children and the parents request it *for* their children. Rosetta Stone is requested, but it's *software*. We don't check out software beyond a couple of games, which must stay in the library. The software complication is not something we have quite figured out, which seems to be the case with other libraries who seem keep them close as well. One thing I had thought of is: if one created a *Language Center*, a workstation dedicated to ESL and Spanish, then Rosetta Stone would certainly be the logical choice!!! Some of the ones I have seen that are successful are: Berlitz, Barron's and Pimsleur. Everyone has Pimsleur and it uses the same Conversations for every language. Berlitz is conversation-centric and the Barron's is more traditional: beginning with basic pronunciation and moving into repetitive drills, concentrating less on conversation. Personally, I use a combination of Berlitz and Barron's. Unfortunately most libraries carry only Living Language and Pimsleur. At least that's what I have discovered in attempting to get such materials through inter-library loan. Another option is getting the series also available on Public Television: French in Action, Fokus Deutsch, and Destinos. All have DVDs and books associated with DVDs. They are all basic and dated, but are well thought through and an interesting addition to any program. The added advantage is: they allow for visual cultural lessons impossible with audio-only programs. I hope that confuses the issue considerably, but I am also interested in what people think about all of that. ;) Sincerely, Tatjana Tatjana Versaggi Information and Technology Services Dripping Springs Community Library 501 Sportsplex Dr., Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (512) 858-7825 <http://www.dscl.org> www.dscl.org -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Corapi, Susan Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2010 12:14 PM To: Laurie Mahaffey; [email protected] Subject: Re: [ctls-l] FW: Language Learning CDs Rosetta Stone is supposed to be a superb series, pricey but worth the cost. It is geared more for adults than children, however the language learning CD's by Judy Mahoney are popular with children and parents who wish to introduce different languages to their children. Susan Corapi Youth Services Librarian Bryan Public Library 201 E. 26th St. Bryan, TX 77803 979-209-5600 From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Laurie Mahaffey Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2010 8:28 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [ctls-l] FW: Language Learning CDs Does anyone have a favorite language learning CD series that has been successful with your patrons? Thanks! Laurie Laurie Mahaffey, Deputy Director Central Texas Library System, Inc. 1005 West 41st Street Austin, Texas 78756 www.ctls.net [email protected] 512-583-0704 x18 800-262-4431 x18 _____ Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 3:05 PM Subject: Language Learning I am looking for language learning audio cds for purchase and some kind of language learning ebooks that could be "rented" by us and made available to patrons through our catalog. Thanks for any suggestions you may have.
