an article by Keith A. Anderson, Chaniqua D. Simpson and Lynette G. Fisher (affiliation(s) not provided) published in Journal of Poverty and Social Justice Volume 20 Number 2 (June 2012)
Abstract
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.
Hazel’s comment:
Helping the homeless has always been difficult for generalist staff. There are so many issues to take into account besides the actuality of having ”no fixed abode”.
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