Public Libraries as Engines of Democracy: A research and pedagogical case study on design for re-entry

Penin, Lara; Staszowski, Eduardo; Bruce, John M.; Adams, Barbara; Amatulllo, Mariana

doi:10.21606/nordes.2019.001

Cited by 2 publications

(4 citation statements)

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“…Improving the wellbeing of impacted communities requires changes to how systems function as well as improved and equitable access to resources. As the role of the public library evolves, it is important to consider how this trusted system may serve to improve the conditions in which people live, work, grow, and learn [ 12 , 13 ], that is, their social determinants of health. Libraries may play a pivotal role in reducing inequities through their programming, especially if they are responsive to the needs of their patrons.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Census Tract Demographics Associated with Libraries’ Social, Economic, and Health-Related Programming

Fleary

Gonçalves

Joseph

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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Background: Public libraries can contribute to reducing economic, social, and health inequities through their programming and practices. However, the extent to which libraries regularly provide programming that improve the social determinants of health (SDH) in underserved communities is unclear. Objective: This study explored the relationship between census tract demographic characteristics and library programming implicated in the SDH for underserved groups at risk for health disparities. Method: A stratified random sample of libraries (n = 235) who completed the 2017 Public Libraries Survey were recruited. Librarians completed surveys about their libraries’ economic, social, and health-related programming. Libraries’ census tract demographic characteristics were taken from the 2013–2017 American Community Survey. Linear regressions were estimated to determine the relationship between relevant census tract demographic characteristics and programming offered at libraries in the census tracts. Results: Higher proportions of racial and ethnic minorities were associated with more frequent economic and social programs, but results were mixed for health-related programs. Lower proportions of populations with no more than a high school diploma or GED were related to more frequent economic, social, and health-related programs. Conclusions: The inequitable distribution of SDH-related library programming highlights gaps in libraries’ responsiveness to community needs. Libraries’ programming likely perpetuate systemic inequities.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Census Tract Demographics Associated with Libraries’ Social, Economic, and Health-Related Programming

Fleary

Gonçalves

Joseph

et al. 2022

IJERPH

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Our literature review search also revealed a recent article about public library services and the reentry population. Penin et al (2019), discussed the design of services at the public library, in the context of working with people who are recently released from prison or jail. Penin et al (2019) used design thinking to analyze the role of a public library when serving the reentry population.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Penin et al (2019), discussed the design of services at the public library, in the context of working with people who are recently released from prison or jail. Penin et al (2019) used design thinking to analyze the role of a public library when serving the reentry population. The authors discussed three "interconnected leverage points" that contribute to services provided to the reentry population: library as social capacity, library as community problem solvers, and library patrons as infrastructure (Penin et al, 2019, p. 7).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although we were not familiar with Penin et al's work when we began designing the Immediate Access program, the ideas discussed resonate. Penin et al emphasized the inclusive and flexible nature of library work, the relational and emotional work performed by library staff, and the need to recognize that library patrons are an asset, not just a service population (Penin, et al, 2019).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Creating New Correctional Programs and Services in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Anderson

Ness²,

Sandoval-Hernandez³

2022

IJoL

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This article explores the changed and changing COVID-19 pandemic programming implemented by Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Public Library's correctional outreach teams. Every program or service offered by the correctional outreach teams was required to change to meet the needs of the pandemic. Additionally, the libraries created two new services: Library Hub, a tablet program for people in Rikers Island jail complex, and Immediate Access, a technology and resource access program for people on parole. The article explains the new services, provides the findings associated with almost two years of providing these services, and presents insights and suggested best practices.

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Public Libraries as Engines of Democracy: A research and pedagogical case study on design for re-entry

Cited by 2 publications

References 0 publications

Census Tract Demographics Associated with Libraries’ Social, Economic, and Health-Related Programming

Census Tract Demographics Associated with Libraries’ Social, Economic, and Health-Related Programming

Creating New Correctional Programs and Services in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

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