The Librarian's Guide to Homelessness

 

Homeless. [Photograph]. Retrieved from Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest.
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DiBello, Amy

Librarian's Guide to Homelessness. (2018). Librarian's Guide to Homelessness. Retrieved 2 March 2018, from http://www.homelesslibrary.com/

Although this topic has little to do with collection management, those of us who work in public libraries serve patrons from all walks of life. Our homeless patrons deserve respectful, compassionate service, even in the most challenging instances. 

One of my colleagues at a neighboring library sent me a link to Ryan Dowd's Website: Librarian's Guide to Homelessness.  Dowd has also written a book The Librarian's Guide to Homelessness: An Empathy Driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preventing Conflict & Serving Everyone which is available through the American Library Association's publication page. 

Dowd offers online training in dealing with homelessness in public libraries. Dowd's Website also offers helpful tips on how to respectfully, but assertively handle sensitive conversations about sleeping, snoring, hygiene, panhandling, and patrons burdened with delusions. You can subscribe to his email list for tips and advice on serving your homeless patrons with empathy, respect, and better outcomes.