Library Services to Children, Teens and Families Experiencing Homelessness

Terrile, Vikki

doi:10.31641/ulj150202

Cited by 10 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 1 publication

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“…It is easier to make a case for library services for homeless parents, than it is for single adult men, for example. An article in Urban Library Journal reviews library services for homeless children, parents, and teens (Terrile, 2009). The author recommends library services specifically for this population, and gives numerous examples of "model" programmes throughout the USA.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These include paperback collections and story-tellers in homeless shelters, and outreach librarians who visit teen shelters and facilitate book clubs. Some libraries bring their summer reading programmes to shelters for the children staying there, and a Las Vegas library created a Homework Help Center specifically for homeless youth (Terrile, 2009). Tax-payers may more willingly share library resources with a homeless child, than with a disorderly homeless man.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Not just a place to sleep: homeless perspectives on libraries in central Michigan

Kelleher

2013

Library Review

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Purpose-This study aims to focus on a qualitative and quantitative assessment of how homeless people in the USA use libraries. Libraries, especially in urban areas, have a complicated relationship with homeless patrons. It is easy to assume that homeless populations use libraries as a safe place to avoid the elements or to sleep. This paper considers the other ways that people without permanent housing are using libraries, how they perceive libraries, and what their specific information needs might be. Design/methodology/approach-The primary method of data collection involved surveys conducted with over 100 homeless individuals in central Michigan in 2009, supplemented with information about area library policies that specifically affect this population. Findings-Many homeless people in central Michigan use libraries frequently. They most often read for entertainment and use the internet. Survey respondents tended to be appreciative of library services. Local social service agencies are a primary source of information for homeless people in this area. Research limitations/implications-The challenges of identifying homeless people led to a respondent pool which seemed to be very high-functioning. Homeless people who are mentally ill or struggling with serious substance abuse may not have been as prevalent at the venues which were used to survey respondents. Originality/value-Most articles regarding homelessness in the library literature focus on how librarians can handle these "problem patrons." However, little substantive information is known about how homeless people themselves view libraries. This paper provides insight into the needs of homeless people and how US libraries might best serve them. It also references international studies on the homeless and libraries.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Not just a place to sleep: homeless perspectives on libraries in central Michigan

Kelleher

2013

Library Review

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“…Regardless of the strategies used to address these concerns, public libraries are seeking ways of further expanding services, addressing service challenges, and identifying ways in which staff can engage with people in crisis. Several studies centered on public library services for people in crisis have focused on understanding and meeting the needs of people experiencing homelessness or survivors of intimate partner violence (Hersberger, ; Terrile, ; Westbrook, 2014). Other scholars have explored public libraries as places that support public health, particularly to vulnerable populations [Morgan et al, 2016].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Vulnerability and meeting the needs of people experiencing homelessness in public libraries

Williams

2019

Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Tech

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This study examines how public library workers navigate professional boundaries when providing information services to people experiencing homelessness. Relying on interviews with twenty‐four library staff at three public library systems in the Midwest United States and Gieryn's (1983) boundary work theory, this project focuses on the information public librarians provide to people experiencing homelessness. It also argues that public librarians navigate tensions in professional and personal boundaries, and that some of these tensions can be attributed to perceptions of vulnerability in both themselves and in the patrons they assist. The paper concludes by making arguments to consider the importance of self‐care and building resilience in the profession of public librarianship. It also suggests the value of partnerships that enable public library staff to re‐conceptualize what their professional roles entail.

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“…Specific groups within the homeless population may have additional needs. For example, veterans may need help in accessing benefits through the Veterans Administration and homeless children and families may need help in connecting with schools and social services (Terrile, 2009;Holt and Holt, 2010). Given the high level of physical and mental health problems in the homeless population compared with others, homeless patrons may also be in need of health services and information on where they might locate such services (National Healthcare for the Homeless Council, 2008).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, the San Francisco Public Library system houses social workers who provide counselling and referrals for patrons in need, many of whom are homeless and/or mentally ill (Lilienthal, 2011). A number of other libraries have collaborated with youth development centres and school systems to serve the needs of homeless children and teens (Terrile, 2009). The San Jose Library partners with community agencies to provide computer classes, resume workshops, and English as a second language (ESL) classes for their homeless and low-income patrons (Lilienthal, 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The ability of public library staff to help homeless people in the United States: exploring relationships, roles and potential

Anderson

Simpson

Fisher

2012

Journal of Poverty and Social Justice

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For public library staff, helping homeless service users can be challenging as they present a range of needs and concerns. In this exploratory study, library staff in the United States completed postal surveys focusing on their relationships with and abilities to help homeless library service patrons. Findings indicated that library staff may be in a position to help, yet they are not well trained to address the specific and often complex needs of homeless people. In the future, additional training may enable library staff to serve in a gatekeeper capacity to link homeless patrons with formal social service providers.

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Library Services to Children, Teens and Families Experiencing Homelessness

Cited by 10 publications

References 1 publication

Not just a place to sleep: homeless perspectives on libraries in central Michigan

Not just a place to sleep: homeless perspectives on libraries in central Michigan

Vulnerability and meeting the needs of people experiencing homelessness in public libraries

The ability of public library staff to help homeless people in the United States: exploring relationships, roles and potential

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