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As homelessness increases across the UK, public libraries, as one of the only places in society in which one can exist without the expectation of paying for the privilege, have become a key safe space for homeless individuals. This has, however, led to growing tensions between library users and increasingly overworked and overstretched staff, who are expected to do more with ever-tightening budgets.
This much needed, agenda setting book, examines the topic of public libraries and homelessness, and explores how public libraries can remain welcoming towards homeless users while also dealing with staff concerns. Drawing on an in-depth qualitative study completed by public library staff from across the UK, this book covers:
- The history and state of homelessness in libraries;
- The needs of homeless library users;
- Barriers facing homeless library users from library staff and wider society;
- The value of social workers and external organisations;
- Public library policies;
- Changing staff and societal attitudes to homeless library users.
This book is essential reading for any librarian seeking to support homeless library users and transform their library into an inclusive and welcoming space.
This is one of those topics that’s easy to oversimplify, and this book doesn’t do that. It handles a complicated, often contentious issue with compassion and care. Even if you don’t agree with every takeaway, you’ll come away thinking more clearly about what’s actually happening on our streets and in our libraries. I know this area well, and I learned something new right out of the gate!
— Ryan Dowd, author of The Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness
Kavan P. Stafford is a Senior Librarian at NHS Lanarkshire. He has worked for several years in Glasgow’s public libraries and is Vice Chair of the CILIPS Board. In 2023, he was included in the CILIP 125 list of the next generation of library leaders, and in 2024, he was shortlisted for Scottish Library and Information Professional of the Year for his work on homelessness in Glasgow Libraries. He has presented on the topic of public libraries and homelessness at national conferences and has written about the subject for publications like The Big Issue.
Introduction
Part I
Chapter One: Backgrounds and Snapshots
Chapter Two: The Needs of Homeless Users
Chapter Three: Prejudice Against Homeless Library Users
Chapter Four: Findings from the Nationwide Survey
Part II
Chapter Five: Social Workers and Libraries
Chapter Six: Rules and Policies Affecting Homeless Library Users
Chapter Seven: Training
Conclusion