Libraries: A Haven for the Homeless

1
Libraries A Haven for the Homeless?

• Jerry Goff
• LIS 683
• Fall 2006

2
Defining Homeless

• Popular perception
• Temporary homelessness
• Shelters
• Mental Illness
• Children

3
Services Policies

• ALA Policy 61 (PPP)
• ALA promotes equal access to information for all
  personsit is crucial that librarians recognize
  their role in enabling poor people to participate
  fully in a democratic society

4
Policy 61 Objectives

• Removal of fees and overdue charges
• Purchasing materials that are of practical use to
  low-income patrons
• Sensitizing staff (training) to their needs
  issues
• Promoting food and clothing donations

5
Programs Services

• Camp LAPL!
• Five-day program, 25 kids (homeless shelters)
• Tour of the library, puppet show, story-time,
  goody bags, reading club T-shirts
• Library cards
• Dancer
• Kids coming back brought friends!

6
Programs Services

• Equal Access?
• Library cards
• Didnt want homeless to have
• High of materials un-returned
• Selling materials
• Sending notifications of dues/fines difficult
• Theft at shelters
• Social Service providers allowed as valid address
  (HSLInstitute of Human Services)

7
Programs Services cont.

• Information needs important, similar
• Internet Use
• E-mail
• Local, world events
• Job hunting
• Public assistance programs

8
Selective Enforcement

• Disruptive behavior (interfere with library
  usage)
• Washing, shaving
• Unduly offensive body odor
• Unclean clothing, hands or feet
• Sleeping shall not be permitted

9
Policy 61

• Being ignored
• Denied Internet access
• Restrictions on borrowing materials
• 6 months
• 2 books at a time
• Libraries being sued

10
Conclusion

• Difficult position
• Sensitive to their needs, situation
• Raise public awareness
• It can happen to anyone
• Thank You