“We're not allowed”: Public librarians' perspectives on providing health information to library users experiencing homelessness

Abstract

This paper describes the results of a qualitative study involving interviews with twelve public librarians about their experiences interacting with library users experiencing homelessness. The study examines the kinds of health information seeking experiences public librarians have, how public librarians respond to the health information needs of homeless library users, and the challenges public librarians undergo as they work to provide health and other information services to homeless individuals. The interviews show that public librarians have mixed experiences providing health information to homeless library users. Some viewed health information needs as a top-level concern, while others viewed health information as a lower priority need when compared to housing and food. Public librarians described several challenges when providing information services to homeless individuals related to professional roles, crisis management, the stigma of homelessness, privacy/confidentiality, and the library acting as a day shelter. Identifying the experiences and challenges of public librarians as they assist homeless library users is an initial step in creating more effective modes of providing services to this population.

Just Infrastructure? Field Research on a Standardized Assessment Tool for a Continuum of Care for People Experiencing Homelessness

“…Approaches to the amelioration of homelessness are often fragmented, with significant asymmetries of knowledge, resources, and data expertise. For example, librarians, who in many urban settings are a first point of contact with those on the continuum of homelessness in need of information and support in their professional roles, often disagree as to their level of responsibility, or are unsure of their capacity for relaying expert knowledge, such as health information (Williams, 2016). The usefulness of information resources directly available to those on the continuum of homelessness is related, in part, to the flexibility and portability of those resources (Woelfer et al, 2009).…”

Considering “atmosphere” in facilitating information seeking by people with invisible disabilities in public libraries

“…Public libraries may struggle to balance the needs of patron groups, including homeless patrons with serious psychiatric disorders who may have limited services, health points, or places to go (Torrey, Esposito, & Geller, ). Library staff may not know how to engage with library patrons who are in crisis or in need of specialist advice (Williams, ). Lastly, traditional library systems such as fines may result in poor or socially excluded populations determining that the library isn't “for them” – self‐excluding even before entry into the space (Working Together Project, n.d.).…”