Libraries and the Unhoused: The Overlap Between Librarianship and Social Work

As I was reading the article, “Librarians and Social Workers: Working Together for Homeless LGBTQ Youth”, the authors perfectly convey the entire purpose of a library: “They need what every library user wants: a palace to receive the information services they need in a nonjudgmental, welcoming and respectful way” (Shelton, Winkelstein). All patrons, regardless of their economic status, seek a library to receive the services that a library can provide. I believe that the stigma against homeless library users or those who argue against libraries being a safe haven for the unhoused is an unnecessary debate. In Hersberger and McCook’s article, “The Homeless and Information Needs and Services,” they reference ALA’s Policy on Library Services for the Poor: “The policy states that libraries should strive to remove existing barriers to service access and to improve services provided, taking into consideration the information and services needs of poor people” (Hersberger McCooks). Not only are libraries currently providing services and welcoming spaces for the unhoused, but they should continue to improve how accessible they are to these unhoused individuals. 

Libraries are providing a free service to all. The library does not discriminate against those who are seeking books, internet, educational resources, air conditioning, shelter, etc. Shelton and Winkelstein’s article perfectly captures the stigma against unhoused library users, especially LGBTQ youth. Unhoused individuals endure an experience where their entire existence poses a threat to many. Many forget that libraries aren’t just about checking out books, but they provide equal access to so many resources and services. An excellent point that they make is that to keep libraries as safe spaces for all, it’s crucial that these sites “train library staff on ways to create inclusive and affirming spaces for LGBTQ youth and to understand the unique needs and experiences of LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness” (Shelton, Winkelstein). Libraries should continuously be evolving their services and exploring the ways they can be even more accessible to their patrons of all economic statuses, backgrounds, and experiences.  As someone who volunteers at a public library, I see familiar faces and ensure that the assistance I’m providing and fit for all types of users of the library. These articles have even got me to think what else can I do to be supportive to all patrons of the library? In Shelton and Winkelstein’s article, a meeting was arranged between a local library and their LGBTQ youth and unhoused to directly communicate what ways they can further assist these users. I think the more libraries directly confront the problem, the more accessible library services can be

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, Mar. 2005, pp. 199–202. EBSCOhost, research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=44bcfb89-4c14-3d5d-8478-fd4a0d52d183.

Shelton, Jama, and Julie Winkelstein. “Librarians and Social Workers: Working Together for Homeless LGBTQ Youth.” Young Adult Library Services, vol. 13, no. 1, Oct. 2014, pp. 20–24. EBSCOhost, research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=8427341b-a739-3127-9ea3-f244f0ff92cc.