[Libs-Or] For Libraries Serving Patrons Experiencing Homelessness

[Darci Hanning]

Greetings!

The following is a compilation of resources including the new title from ALA (available from the State Library via ILL), a free webinar, and an online course focused on serving patrons that are experiencing homelessness.

[http://www.alaeditions.org/files/Dowd_Ryan_300.jpg]The Librarian's' Guide to Homelessness: An Empathy-Driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preventing Conflict and Serving Everyone by Ryan Dowd. ALA Editions, 2018 (see: How to Request Materials<http://www.oregon.gov/osl/LD/Pages/school/index.aspx#Request_Materials>)

Homelessness is a perennial topic of concern at libraries. In fact, staff at public libraries interact with almost as many homeless individuals as staff at shelters do. Empathy and understanding, along with specific actionable advice that's drawn from experience, makes all the difference in working with this group. In this book Dowd, executive director of a homeless shelter, spotlights best practices drawn from his own shelter's policies and training materials.

Filled with to-the-point guidance that will help front line public library staff and managers understand and serve this population better, this resource
*         includes facts about homelessness every librarian should know;
*         debunks widespread myths about these individuals, explaining how they see themselves, what issues they struggle with, and how libraries can shift towards supporting them;
*         shares de-escalation techniques like showing respect, ways to avoid making things personal, and using proper body language;
*         walks readers through dealing with common issues like a sleeping patron, questionable hygiene, offensive behavior, and asking a patron to leave; and
*         advises on how to provide backup to a colleague and when to call the police.

Filled with real life stories that illustrate the effectiveness of Dowd's approach, this one-of-a-kind guide will empower library staff to treat homeless individuals with dignity.

Online resources:
Librarian's Guide to Homelessness (Ryan J. Dowd's website)

*         Quick advice / tips<http://www.homelesslibrary.com/start-here.html>

*         Sign up<http://www.homelesslibrary.com/ala-book.html> for weekly tips via email

*         A trial membership<http://www.homelesslibrary.com/course.html> for one staff member to evaluate the online course

*         Interview<http://www.alaeditions.org/blog/303/homelessness-and-libraries-interview-ryan-j-dowd> with Ryan J. Dowd.

Free webinar:
Homelessness in Small and Rural Communities: Libraries Can Help!<https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/homelessness-in-small-and-rural.html>, February 21, 2018, 12:00p - 1:00p
Homelessness means having no predictable and safe place to sleep. Libraries in rural and small communities are often a source of information and daytime shelter for individuals facing homelessness or housing insecurity. In an already busy library with limited resources, staff may be challenged to respond to the needs of these patrons and to cope with compassion fatigue. This webinar will provide practical insights on providing services to people who don't have stable housing. Learn how to create an environment that feels welcoming, informative and supportive, including ideas for reducing policy barriers. Learn how to host conversations that explore public perceptions, help to debunk myths around homelessness, and strengthen community ties. (This webinar will be archived)

Online Course:
Library Services for Patrons Experiencing Homelessness<https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=745&reset=1>, an Infopeople 4-week online course, March 6 - April 2, 2018
This course will provide you with the tools you need to navigate the world of services to people experiencing homelessness and figure out your library's place in that world. We will look at real life examples of the challenges faced by libraries and their patrons, and the approaches individual libraries are taking, including a number of ways libraries are collaborating with local agencies.

This course will also explore:
*         Why libraries should be part of the caring community surrounding those experiencing homelessness
*         The challenges faced by unaccompanied LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness
*         Actionable goals for your library and how to address barriers to meeting those goals

Join instructor Julie Winkelstein as she expertly guides you through short and long-term approaches to addressing homelessness at your library.

Instructor: Julie Winkelstein<https://infopeople.org/people/julie-ann-winkelstein>, Fee: $150 for those in the California library community, $200 for all others. For a complete course description and to register go to https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=745&reset=1

Cheers,
Darci Hanning, MLIS
Technology Development Consultant
darci.hanning at state.or.us<mailto:darci.hanning at state.or.us> | 503-378-2527 | www.oregon.gov/osl/ld<http://www.oregon.gov/osl/ld>
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