The Librarian's Guide to Homelessness

The Librarian's Guide to Homelessness: An Empathy-driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preventing Conflict, and Serving Everyone | Ryan Dowd

I‘m trying to understand homelessness more to better notice the signs and equip myself and my library to be prepared if we ever need to assist someone who is transient.
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Does anyone have any suggested reading on library services, accessibility and such?

kamoorephoto Hmm, a lot of libraries here in Seattle (not that any are open right now thanks to #COVID19) are pretty welcoming to homeless people coming in and sitting down, charging their phones, etc. The SPL system also offers community services like seeking out housing resources, legal and DV help, translation services, etc. Maybe going to the website spl.org you can find something or someone helpful? 5y

Moonprismpower @kamoorephoto great idea thank you for the resource! 5y

kamoorephoto **What a wonderful book to have written 🙌🏼 5y

runswithscissors007 i love that this book exists. 5y

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CaseyTheCanadianLesbrarian

The Librarian's Guide to Homelessness: An Empathy-driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preventing Conflict, and Serving Everyone | Ryan Dowd

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A definite blind spot to the gendered element of women staff interacting with men patrons (regardless of socio-economic, mental health, or housing status). A lot of the tactics of providing excellent customer service, being friendly, getting to know people, is tricky for women because men have been taught to interpret those interactions as invitations for romantic/sexual relationships. But, so much of this info has already been SO useful to me.

TiredLibrarian I haven't read the book, but I completed his online training and it was SO helpful, not just with the homeless but with other patron interactions as well. I highly recommend it if you have a chance to take it! 5y

CaseyTheCanadianLesbrarian @TiredLibrarian Yes, I've done the online training as well, which I also found really helpful The book I would say is an extension of it, with expanded sections addressing specific scenarios. 5y

SamAnne I am so impressed and grateful for how our local librarians interact with homeless, mentally ill, lonely patrons. I know a bit of the challenges from my own neighborhood and the grace and compassion shown by the librarians has brought me to tears. Meanwhile, because of a load of outside money, my city just elected a mayor who suggested banning homeless people from our libraries. Sigh. 5y

CaseyTheCanadianLesbrarian @SamAnne 💜💜💜 5y

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RiaWritten

The Librarian's Guide to Homelessness: An Empathy-driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preventing Conflict, and Serving Everyone | Ryan Dowd

Studying at the library and of course I had to pick up a book. I only hope I‘ll have time to read it. I think it‘ll be really helpful for future librarianing, as well as in my current position.

Tamra Did you listen to the recent This American Life podcast episode? 💜👌🏾 6y

RiaWritten @Tamra No I didn‘t! I only just heard about this at school orientation. I really need to check that out. 6y

Lcsmcat @SewItGoes @Tamra That was a great episode! 6y

Tamra @Lcsmcat yes! It was touching and enlightening. So many reasons to support libraries and librarians! 6y

Tamra @SewItGoes yes, definitely recommend. 6y

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