Libraries are often seen as safe places to go to, for the homeless. They are a place to go to when weather conditions are not suitable for extended periods of time. Since library’s are a place for gatherings and for people pf all backgrounds to come and learn and relish in the resources, a homeless individual is should be just as welcomed. In the article, A Trip to the Library: Homelessness and Social Inclusion the author(s) Darrin Hodgetts, et al. explains when the homeless are treated as “those people” it disrupts their sense of belonging.
He goes on to explain the traditional purpose of a library, which is to support self-education, enhancing social participation, and to provide experiences of inclusion. This includes those that are homeless too. Library staff can help a homeless person make the most out of their library visit, by politely asking them to wash up in the bathroom, providing water, etc. Most importantly treating them like they would any library user and insuring they feel that they belong.
Libraries can offer other assistants to this particular user group, by providing information on finances, childcare, housing, employment opportunities, and educational opportunities (if needed). The impact library staff will have on the homeless has to do with the attitude towards them. Julie Hersberger, author of The Homeless and Information Needs and Services , refers to the reaction of homeless individuals: "In one study, those who provided information in a friendly manner were often referred to as "friends". "
Libraries can offer other assistants to this particular user group, by providing information on finances, childcare, housing, employment opportunities, and educational opportunities (if needed). The impact library staff will have on the homeless has to do with the attitude towards them. Julie Hersberger, author of The Homeless and Information Needs and Services , refers to the reaction of homeless individuals: "In one study, those who provided information in a friendly manner were often referred to as "friends". "
Works Cited
Hersberger, Julie, and Kathleen De la Peña McCook. “The Homeless and Information Needs and Services.” Reference & User Services Quarterly, vol. 44, no. 3, Spring 2005, pp. 199–202. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=17643715&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
Hersberger, Julie, and Kathleen De la Peña McCook. “The Homeless and Information Needs and Services.” Reference & User Services Quarterly, vol. 44, no. 3, Spring 2005, pp. 199–202. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=17643715&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
Hodgetts, Darrin, et al. “A Trip to the Library: Homelessness and Social Inclusion.” Social & Cultural Geography, vol. 9, no. 8, Dec. 2008, pp. 933–953. . EBSCOhost, doi:10.1080/14649360802441432.
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