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Library Services for Poor and Homeless: Brief Overview
- 1. LIS 5603 – Introduction to Information Services Kelly Hill, Edith Delevoe, Lisa Engelke March 14, 2019 Library Services for the Poor and Homeless
- 2. Brief Overview Library Services for the Poor and Homeless
- 3. Library Services for the Poor and Homeless: Brief Overview “Libraries are a haven for the homeless. They are dry, warm, have bathrooms, services, and a sympathetic staff.” Maury Kendall, representing the Emergency Housing Consortium at a September 28, 2003, multi- paneled staff workshop on homelessness (Hill, 2011, p.13)
- 4. Who are the Poor and Homeless?
- 5. According to U. S. Department of Commerce’s Income and Poverty in the United States: 2017 (Issued September 2018) Weighted Average Poverty Thresholds in 2017 by Size of Family (Dollars)* One person 12,488 Two people 15,877 Three people 19,515 Four people 25,094 Five people 29,714 Six people 33,618 Seven people 38,173 Eight people 42,684 Nine people or more 50,681 * weighted average based on relative number of families of each size and composition (Holt, 2010, p. 6)
- 6. • (1) an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence: [or] • (2) an individual who has a primary nighttime residence that is— • (A) a supervised or publicly operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations (including welfare hotels, congregate shelters, and transitional housing for the mentally ill); • (B) an institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or • (C) a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings. P.L. 100-77, the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, enacted in July 1987 (U.S. Congress, House, 1987): (Committee on Health Care for Homeless People, & Institute of Medicine, 1988, p. 2)
- 7. Types of Homelessness • No Home • No Access to Support Total Homeless • Extended Chronic Homeless • Cyclical Periodic Homeless • Disaster • Relocation Temporary Homeless (Hersberger, 2005, p. 200)
- 8. • Poverty and homelessness cut across all sectors of the population • Increasing problem in the United States • Libraries are in a position to help this population • ALA’s Policy 61 focuses on the “urgent need to respond to the increasing number of poor children, adults, and families in America” (Committee on Health Care for Homeless People, & Institute of Medicine, 1988, p. 2) (Lilienthal, 2001, p. 30)
- 9. Some Statistics on the Poor and Homeless 58% Report having trouble getting enough food 23% Are veterans 22% Have serious mental illnesses or are disabled 30% Have substance abuse problems 46% Have chronic health conditions. 50% Report receiving less than $300 a month in total income 5% Are under 18, accompanied by an adult (Hill, 2011, pp. 14,17)
- 11. Why Are People Homeless? • Domestic Violence • Mental Illness • Lack of Employment Opportunities • Addiction Housing Poverty Decline in Available Public Assistance Lack of Affordable Health Care (National Coalition of Homeless, n.d.)
- 12. Key Issues Library Services for the Poor and Homeless
- 13. Barriers to Information Services
- 14. From their experience: Lack of Stability Presents Difficulties Difficulty finding appropriate resources Difficulty getting library cards - due to lack of permanent address Emotional and Physical State Environment (Mars, 2012, p. 12, 34) (Hersberger, 2005, p. 200) (Hill, 2011, p. 14) (Committee on Health Care for Homeless People, & Institute of Medicine, 1988, p. 2, 15-17)
- 15. Barriers to Information Stereotypes Discrimination/Poor Attitudes of Information Providers Balancing Patron Needs Pride (Smith and Wong, 2016, pp. 346 (Gehner, 2010, pp. 39-40)
- 16. Library Services for the Poor and Homeless: Key Issues – Discrimination/Poor Attitudes Treating Homeless as Less Worthy Victim Blaming Unequal Weight (Hersberger, 2005, p. 199-200)
- 17. Photo Credit: Bess-Hamiti https://pixabay.com/photos/child-boy- portrait-children-people-817373/ If you wouldn’t force this patron out of a library…. (Hersberger, 2005, p. 200)
- 18. ….then why is it ok to force this one out? Photo Credit: Leroy_Skalstad https://pixabay.com/photos/people-homeless- male-street-1010001/ (Hersberger, 2005, p. 200)
- 19. Needs Financial Relationships with Others Childcare Housing Employment Health and Health Care Education Transportation Public Assistance Substance Abuse (Hersberger, 2005, pp. 199-200) (Smith and Wong, 2016, p. 346)
- 20. Legal Implications Kreimer v. Bureau of Police for Town of Morristown (1992) •Homeless Patrons Can Be Banned for Disruptive Behavior •Library is a Limited Public Forum Armstrong v. District of Columbia Public Library (2001) •Homeless Can NOT Be Barred Entry Because of Prejudice •Library is a Public Forum Protected by First Amendment (Mars, 2012, p. 32-33)
- 21. Best Practices Library Services for the Poor and Homeless
- 22. Library Services for the Poor and Homeless: Best Practices – ALA Policy “People experiencing poverty or homelessness constitute a significant portion of users in many libraries today and this population provides libraries with an important opportunity to change lives. As the numbers of poor, children, adults, and families in America rises, so does the urgent need for libraries to effectively respond to their needs.” “Access to library and information resources, services, and technologies is essential for all people, especially the economically disadvantaged, who may experience isolation, discrimination and prejudice or barriers to education, employment, and housing.” "Poor and/or Homeless Library Patrons", American Library Association, Nov. 21, 2012. http://www.ala.org/tools/atoz/poor-andor-homeless-library- patrons (Accessed March 8, 2019) Document ID: 270b44a5-e2bb-c834-213f-4f72ffaee92b
- 23. Library Services for the Poor and Homeless: Best Practices – Libraries Strive to Change Lives The poor and homeless are not problem patrons, “they are patrons in need of your help, because you are a civilizing agency. The library has the power to help. . .” “It is a moral imperative that we be responsive to the needs of the community and provide opportunities for people to change their lives.” “The public library programs designed to reach low income groups, especially children, who are the fastest growing segment of the poor, are prevalent and are having a positive effect on many lives.” (Venturella, 1998, p.33)
- 24. What can you do?
- 25. During an Interaction: • Show the patron how to use the library, don’t just tell them. • Don’t use specialized language • Be especially aware of language barriers or other difficulties • Don’t assume happy body language means comprehension • may be a defensive measure. • Always offer additional help. • Be encouraging (Gehner, 2010, pp. 44) (Hersberger, 2005, p. 201) (Smith and Wong, 2016, pp. 341, 346)
- 26. This patron is _____________ and homeless • Gay • A Parent • A Child • An Immigrant • A Veteran • Mentally Ill • A Man • A Woman • A Wife • Kind • Disabled • Elderly • A Husband • Employed • Unemployed • Caucasian • African-American • Asian • Young • Hispanic • Educated • Dyslexic • A Voter • A Person
- 27. During an Interaction: • Remember this interaction is not about you. • It’s ok to factor in a patron’s financial difficulties when considering services or materials • But DO NOT boil the patron down into “homeless” as all that they are. • Don’t make assumptions about what they know (Gehner, 2010, pp. 39-40) (Venturella, 1998, p.33)
- 28. Be Proactive Don’t expect members of a marginalize group to identify themselves Treat all patron requests like they have weight Always determine if transportation or cost matters Be ready with the information a homeless person needs Don’t wait until the patron is in front of you •Don’t assume that a pamphlet is enough
- 29. What can your library do?
- 30. Work Together Don’t separate the budget Outreach is critical Adopt attitude of striving to change lives Develop helpful, barrier- free programs build collections, provide access and information (Lilienthal, 2011, p. 34-35) (Smith and Wong, 2016, pp. 339, 347) (Hill, 2011, p. 18) (Hersberger, 2005, p. 201)
- 31. Library Services for the Poor and Homeless: Best Practices Partner with Social Workers and other agencies Allow homeless patrons to tell their story Train staff on working with impoverished sectors of population Develop fair policies that do not discriminate (Hill, 2011, p. 18-21) (Lilienthal, 2011, p. 34-35)
- 32. . You May Only Get One Shot Make It Count
- 33. Resources to Consider Healthcare Healthcare.gov Health Department Medicaid Healthy MothersHealthy Babies Shelter Housing/Shelter HUD Hunger (Food) Food Banks SNAP School Free and Reduced BreakfastLunch Programs WIC Safety/Security (Protection) Access Florida Assistance 211 Clothing Bank CHIP Social Services
- 34. Recommended Readings Library Services for the Poor and Homeless
- 35. Toronto Library Bookmobile Outreach EmpathyFlexibility Rovito, J. (2012). Crossing the threshold into the private space: the TD summer reading club outreach to shelters project. Feliciter, 58(2), 59-61.
- 36. Obama Launches ConnectHome Luxury vs Necessity Digital Literacy Peet, L. (2015). Obama launches ConnectHome initiative. Library Journal, 40(13), 12-13.
- 37. Public Library Services for the Poor Holt, L. E. & Holt, G. E. (2015). Library card campaigns and sustaining service: How do public libraries best serve poor children? Public Library Quarterly, 34(3), 270-277 How to Develop Effective Programs How to Understand Impoverished and Homeless Patrons What Makes good Policy
- 38. Library Services for the Poor and Homeless: Best Practices - Inspiration “My notion of democracy is that under it the weakest should have the same opportunity as the strongest. – Mohandas Gandhi” (Venturella, 1998, p. 29)
- 39. Resources Library Services for the Poor and Homeless
- 40. Library Services for the Poor and Homeless: Resource List Committee on Health Care for Homeless People, & Institute of Medicine. (1988). Homelessness, Health, and Human Needs. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press. Retrieved from https://login.proxy.lib.fsu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=t rue&db=nlebk&AN=14422&site=eds-live&scope=site Hersberger, J. (2005). The homeless and information needs and services. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 44(3), 199-202. Gehner, J. (2010). Libraries, Low-Income People, and Social Exclusion. Public Library Quarterly, 29(1), 39–47. https://doi-org.proxy.lib.fsu.edu/10.1080/01616840903562976 Hill, N. M. (2011). Public libraries and the homeless. Public Libraries, 50(6), 13-22.
- 41. Library Services for the Poor and Homeless: Resource List Holt, L. E. & Holt, G. E. (2010). Public library services for the poor: doing all we can. Chicago, Illinois: American Library Association. Holt, L. E. & Holt, G. E. (2015). Library card campaigns and sustaining service: How do public libraries best serve poor children? Public Library Quarterly, 34(3), 270-277. Lilienthal, S. M. (2011). The problem is not the homeless. Library Journal, June 15, 2011, 30-34.
- 42. Library Services for the Poor and Homeless: Resource List Mars, A. (2012). Library service to the homeless. Public Libraries, 51(2), 32-35. Overall, P. L. (2009). Cultural competence: a conceptual framework for library and information science professionals. Library Quarterly, 79(2), 175-204. Peet, L. (2015). Obama launches ConnectHome initiative. Library Journal, 40(13), 12-13. American Library Association (2012) Poor and/or Homeless Library Patrons. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/tools/atoz/poor-andor-homeless-library-patrons (Accessed March 8, 2019) Document ID: 270b44a5-e2bb-c834-213f- 4f72ffaee92b National Coalition of Homeless (n.d.) Homelessness in America. Retrieved from https://nationalhomeless.org/about-homelessness/
- 43. Library Services for the Poor and Homeless: Resource List Racelis, A. (2018). Library Services for the Poor: Theoretical Framework for Library Social Responsibility. Pedagogical Research, 3(2), 06. https://doi.org/10.20897/pr/90831 Rovito, J. (2012). Crossing the threshold into the private space: the TD summer reading club outreach to shelters project. Feliciter, 58(2), 59-61. Smith, L. C. & Wong, M. A. (2016). Reference and information services: an introduction (pp. 346-348). Santa Barbara, California: Libraries Unlimited. U. S. Department of Commerce. (2018). Income and Poverty in the United States: 2017. Retrieved from: https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2018/demo/p60- 263.pdf
- 44. Venturella, K. M. (1998). Libraries and poverty. Poor people and library services (pp. 29-33). United States of America: McFarland & Co. West Virginia Library Association. (2013). Library service to the homeless: a few ways to get started. West Virginia Libraries, 66(2), 5.
Editor's Notes
- According to U. S. Department of Commerce’s Income and Poverty in the United States: 2017 (Issued September 2018): In 2017, there were 39.7 million people in poverty (not statistically different from the number in poverty in 2016) Between 2016 and 2017, people with at least a bachelor’s degree were the only group to have an increase in the poverty rate or the number of people in poverty Some feel the poverty standards are flawed, meaning poverty may impact more people than the government statistics reflect: . Due to the increasing costs of food, housing, child care, health care, and transportation, the poverty level does not reflect the true cost of supporting a family . The method used to determine whether a family is poor does not accurately count family resources – for example income is counted before taxes are taken out (Holt, 2010, p. 6)
- This definition refers specifically to homeless individuals, but it is equally applicable to homeless families. You can still be considered homeless if: You are staying with a friend Living in a shelter Are Employed Are Squatting
- No access to government programs or family support
- Can be runaways ALA’s Policy 61 focuses on the “urgent need to respond to the increasing number of poor children, adults, and families in America” Homeless people are a diverse and varied group in terms of age, ethnicity,family circumstances, and health problems. Moreover, the characteristics of thehomeless population differ dramatically from one community to another. Eventhe recent increase in homeless families is not uniform throughout the country. Homeless people are a diverse and varied group in terms of age, ethnicity, family circumstances, and health problems. Moreover, the characteristics of the homeless population differ dramatically from one community to another. MLA (Modern Language Assoc.) Committee on Health Care for Homeless People, and Institute of Medicine. Homelessness, Health, and Human Needs. National Academies Press, 1988.
- 23% are veterans, compared to 13% of overall population . 46% have chronic health conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer) Homelessness has no set profile. Individuals, families, and children are homeless. The homeless include those who hold jobs and those who are unemployed. Some may have substance dependencies or are disabled. Lack of affordable housing and sufficient income are two main causes of homelessness, and many factors can contribute to an individual’s situation (unemployment, underemployment, flight from domestic abuse, illness. . .) (Hill, 2011, p.14) Homelessness has no set profile. Individuals, families, and children are homeless. The homeless include those who hold jobs and those who are unemployed. Some may have substance dependencies or are disabled. Lack of affordable housing and sufficient income are two main causes of homelessness, and many factors can contribute to an individual’s situation (unemployment, underemployment, flight from domestic abuse, illness. . .) (Hill, 2011, p.14) – one estimate says kids are undercounted - their figure may be closer to ‘2 of every 5’ of the homeless (Hill, 2011, p.17)
- (National Coalition of Homeless, n.d.)
- Special needs often surround information requests for those facing poverty and homelessness: “For example, some of the homeless are seeking job information, but simply providing information on available jobs is not always enough. If public transportation does not stop near the place of work, then a list of jobs might be useless information.” (Hersberger, 2005, p. 200) Difficulty: “Homeless patrons’ access to library collections is limited by their often nomadic or unstable lifestyle since many libraries require proof of residence to check out materials.” Possible Solution: “Libraries, such as Worcester (Mass.) Public Library, have begun to allow homeless patrons to use shelter addresses to obtain library cards, an option to consider when designing library policies that are barrier-free.” (Mars, 2012, p. 34) We must be aware – “There is no material relevance to whether the library user who requests information concerning who won the World Series in 1961, for example, is homeless or housed. There are, however, environmental issues that surround the everyday life experiences of homeless persons that might prove useful when thinking about providing library services to the homeless” (Hersberger, 2005, p. 199) “To be without a home is to be without stability.” Children face difficulties functioning well in school Adults face difficulties finding and keeping jobs Parents face difficulties caring for children Adults face difficulties finding resources (Hill, 2011, p. 14)
- Stereotypes Difference between Toddler and Homeless The concept of unworthiness Poverty blame/shame But patrons who are homeless can be a problem They just shouldn’t treated as such unless there is a true rule violation Julie Hersberger described the following anecdote in The Homeless and Information Needs and Services (2005): In the course of teaching a reference workshop, a colleague would hold up photos of users, and attendees would provide a profile. She showed a photo of an older gentleman in a plaid flannel shirt with his white hair sticking out at odd angles. Every public librarian in attendance identified the user as a homeless man. Every academic librarian saw a professor emeritus. (Smith and Wong, 2016, pp. 346)
- Sometimes the information needs of those facing poverty and homelessness are similar to others, but they may be treated differently: “A CEO and a homeless person who both need to find a new place to live are basically asking the same question. However, the CEO will have many more options and thus seeks – and receives – much more information. And, often, there are more information providers able and eager to provide that information to the CEO.” (Hersberger, 2005, p. 200) The attitude of the information service provider matters: “A decade of studying the homeless as an information-user population has frequently called attention to the subject of the attitude of the information provider. In one study, those who provided information in a friendly manner were referred to as ‘friends.’ However, in many circumstances, the homeless were very sensitive to a feeling of unworthiness in the perception of the information provider.” (Hersberger, 2005, p. 200) “Categorizing an entire class of people as ‘problem patrons’ is outright discrimination. Inappropriate behavior is a legitimate reason for asking a user to leave the library, but this is a separate issue from the user’s social status.” “Toddlers, who can be smelly and loud, are not in the library reading anything and are often asleep, but no one advocates that this is a problem patron group unworthy of library services.” (Hersberger, 2005, p. 200) We must be aware – “There is no material relevance to whether the library user who requests information concerning who won the World Series in 1961, for example, is homeless or housed. There are, however, environmental issues that surround the everyday life experiences of homeless persons that might prove useful when thinking about providing library services to the homeless” (Hersberger, 2005, p. 199
- Special needs often surround information requests for those facing poverty and homelessness: “For example, some of the homeless are seeking job information, but simply providing information on available jobs is not always enough. If public transportation does not stop near the place of work, then a list of jobs might be useless information.” (Hersberger, 2005, p. 200) We must be aware – “There is no material relevance to whether the library user who requests information concerning who won the World Series in 1961, for example, is homeless or housed. There are, however, environmental issues that surround the everyday life experiences of homeless persons that might prove useful when thinking about providing library services to the homeless” (Hersberger, 2005, p. 199)
- “Richard Kreimer, a homeless man, sued the public library for violating his First Amendment rights after he was evicted based on his appearance, hygiene, and repeated behavior problems.” Initially the court ruled the library cannot discriminate based on hygiene and other standards that are at risk of being applied in a prejudicial manner. Later this was overturned and the court ruled that libraries do have the right to bar conduct that inhibits other patrons’ ability to utilize the library for its intended purposes.
- “Although it can be difficult to provide day in and day out, a cheerful, helpful attitude goes a long way in making a homeless person’s day.” As the homeless are often treated with disapproving attitudes or as if they are invisible, let us (librarian professionals) “assess service needs in the context of a person’s homeless environment while not making personal judgments of their situations.” (Hersberger, 2005, p. 201) When you are vulnerable, it take everything you have to walk up to someone who is not like yourself and ask for help . If a poor or homeless person reacts badly, it’s not because they are being difficult. You may have hit an inadvertent cultural land mine. Adapt and don’t take it personally.
- The poor and homeless are not problem patrons, “they are patrons in need of your help, because you are a civilizing agency. The library has the power to help. . .” “It is a moral imperative that we be responsive to the needs of the community and provide opportunities for people to change their lives.” “The public library programs designed to reach low income groups, especially children, who are the fastest growing segment of the poor, are prevalent and are having a positive effect on many lives.” (Venturella, 1998, p.33)
- If a patron can get agitated while you take a long time to look up something mundane, imagine how upsetting it is to watch you fumble with food assistance programs
- Budget may be cut when times get tough. Argue equal cervices for variety of groups, the tailor those resources per patron. “Interacting with the homeless, mentally ill, or otherwise impoverished in a compassionate yet effective manner can be assisted with training.” “Libraries should also gather information that will aid in the planning of programming and other services, for example, information about shelter hours in the area should inform decisions on when to plan programming.” “In order to eliminate barriers relating to cost, the ALA recommends the removal of fees for service, particularly overdue charges. Another option is to create fine exemptions for people of low incomes.” “Transportation barriers can be alleviated in a few different ways. Bookmobiles can be used to provide convenient service, or libraries may choose to provide supplemental services at shelters in their area.” “Allow homeless patrons to use shelter addresses to obtain library cards, an option to consider when designing library policies that are barrier-free.” (Lilienthal, 2011, p. 34-35) Have library professionals “get out of the library and get to know this diverse user group in such a way that enables them to look beyond appearance to understand deprivation and the causes (and not symptoms) of poverty and homelessness.” With deeper understanding of circumstances, barriers can be removed that socially exclude certain groups. “Library staff need to understand that ‘charity is not dignity; dignity is inclusion.” (Smith, 2016, p. 347) Libraries can build collections which feature books on building resumes, and other topics of interest Libraries can provide access to computers (a ‘day-pass’ - no library card required) Libraries can provide help with job search skills & technology skills, and hold it during the day, (a time when shelters are closed and homeless may be available) Libraries can build ‘new adult reader’ (low literacy) collections Libraries can provide Library Guides to Local Services – where to find help with basic needs, housing, government assistance, etc. Libraries can feature displays and book club selections which would appeal to diverse sectors of the population (Hill, 2011, p. 18) Libraries can reach out to poor and homeless by meeting them in homeless shelters and soup kitchens “Think Outreach. If your children’s department provides story times at various locations, such as nursery schools and daycare centers, why not consider providing a similar service to local family homeless shelters?” “Homeless children living in family shelters are a great example of a very deserving user population. Libraries can make a difference in these young lives. . . These children need to discover their ability to believe.” (Hersberger, 2005, p. 201)
- Libraries can outreach homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and food pantry “Policies must be applied in an equal manner and based on clear guidelines, so as to target the behavior and not the patron.” “Library staffers are finding it difficult to handle situations involving these (impoverished) customers, and they are desperately in search of ideas of how to help them.” “Social Workers in the Library (SWITL), initiated in 2009 by the San Jose Public Library (CA), links services to other users, not just the homeless.” Monthly sessions are held at a library where National Association of Social Workers (NASW) members volunteer their time as counselors, providing information and referrals. This concept is similar to Lawyers in the Library (LITL) and “more libraries should form partnerships with professional associations” . . .because “people migrate to the library.” (Lilienthal, 2011, p. 34-35) “Enacting policies that amount to little more than ‘poverty profiling’ and labeling the homeless individuals as problem patrons are ineffective and negative measures that do little to create an inclusive and welcoming public library environment.” (Lilienthal, 2011, p. 34-35) Allow the homeless to share their stories, in order to break down barriers and foster understanding. A great example is the “Your Story Has a Home Here” project, which began in 2009 at the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL) and set out to help teens put a face on homelessness by utilizing oral history interview techniques. “If our teens could learn more about the homeless as people, perhaps they would be more understanding and accepting of them.” “More than anything, the teens seemed in awe of the incredible struggle for survival that the presenters faced, both in their home lives before becoming homeless, and during their experiences of homelessness. They were concerned about the presenters. It was truly a touching thing.” (Hill, 2011, p. 19-21)
- The article “Crossing the threshold into the private space: the TD summer reading club outreach to shelters project” provided a great example of the Toronto Public Library’s effort to bring story time visits to family shelters across Toronto. The effort was “seeking to build trust with socially excluded community members and engage them respectfully” (Rovito, 2012, p.59) This project basically brought the library to families in the shelter. The ‘bookmobile’ allowed the library to register patrons in the shelter for library cards, bring story time to the children, inform patrons about services of which they might not be aware, and bring books and materials for check-out. Something I really loved about the article was that the librarians were very flexible with their programming as they never knew exactly which age group would be present to serve at any given time. Rovito, J. (2012). Crossing the threshold into the private space: the TD summer reading club outreach to shelters project. Feliciter, 58(2), 59-61.
- The article “Obama launches ConnectHome initiative” provided a great example of the ConnectHome initiative, launched on July 15, 2015, which is a widespread initiative to provide broadband access to low-income households. The effort will provide “high-speed home Internet access to nearly 200,00 children in more than 275,000 low-income households.” (Peet, 2015, p.12) Something I really loved about the article was that the ALA plans to collaborate with this effort through local libraries. The ALA wants to deliver support for adults and children using the broadband access in the form of instruction in “digital literacy, privacy issues, and technical skills” (Peet, 2015, p. 13) I also loved this quote from President Obama: “The Internet is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.” (Peet, 2015, p.13) This is so true! Peet, L. (2015). Obama launches ConnectHome initiative. Library Journal, 40(13), 12-13.
- Holt & Holt’s 2010 book entitled Public Library Services for the Poor: Doing All We Can is a great resource for libraries. It covers the commitments libraries should make to serve the poor, discusses public perceptions about the poor and how to overcome them, and also discusses the ways we can implement programs to serve the poor. It is very comprehensive and thorough. I think it would serve as a great handbook for libraries, and I hope to fully read it! Holt, L. E. & Holt, G. E. (2010). Public library services for the poor: doing all we can. Chicago, Illinois: American Library Association.