The Librarian's Guide to Homelessness
The Librarian's Guide to Homelessness

Author: Ryan Dowd

Publisher: ALA Editions

Published: 2018

Total Pages: 248

ISBN-13: 9780838916261

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"Homelessness is a perennial topic of concern at libraries. In fact, staff at public libraries interact with almost as many homeless individuals as staff at shelters do. In this book Dowd, executive director of a homeless shelter, spotlights best practices drawn from his own shelter's policies and training materials" --

Library Security
Library Security

Author: Steve Albrecht

Publisher: American Library Association

Published: 2015-05-27

Total Pages: 231

ISBN-13: 083891330X

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Library work is really all about people. And the inclusive, welcoming nature of the library means that all kinds of people pass through its doors. Not all difficult patrons are dangerous, but some frighten staff and other library users, which can lead to situations that are distracting, troubling, and fraught with liability. For more than a decade, Albrecht, a 15-year police veteran, has presented workshops for libraries on dealing with challenging patrons. His no-nonsense advice will empower library staff in their personal security and give them the tools to confidently communicate with their colleagues, patrons, and members of law enforcement regarding inappropriate behavior. In this book he addresses security issues important to all libraries, including Specific guidance for common situations, such as unruly teens, unwanted sexual advances, chronically homeless substance abusers, and moreThe elements of an effective Code of Conduct and how to enforce itTips on how to manage internet usage to minimize potential problemsHow to align with patrons and use language that defuses the conflictForming partnerships with service organizations, homeless shelters, mental health advocacy groups, and other community resourcesHow to know when it’s time to call the police, plus ideas for increasing law enforcement supportWays to make the library more secure through changes to facilitiesThrough the methods outlined in this book, Albrecht demonstrates that effective communication not only makes library users feel more comfortable but also increases staff morale, ensuring the library is place where everyone feels welcome.

A Complete Guide to Training Library Staff
A Complete Guide to Training Library Staff

Author: Emily Leachman

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 2024-11-14

Total Pages: 107

ISBN-13:

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This practical guidebook presents an infrastructure for training library staff, starting with a robust onboarding process and continuing through a staff member's entire duration at an institution. Because library services and resources can change rapidly, ongoing training is an important aspect of library operations. Training can be a particular challenge at large, multi-branch library systems, because it can be difficult to ensure all staff are able to receive the relevant information. Written for library managers and training leaders, A Complete Guide to Training Library Staff presents a comprehensive lifecycle for staff development with a focus on tools and techniques to build a sustainable training program, set staff up for success in their positions, and develop a positive and supportive community across the library. Authors Emily Leachman and A. Garrison Libby spearheaded their library's movement to largely online trainings, which are inclusive of staff at all branch locations. This practical guidebook helps managers and trainers develop a comprehensive plan that allows new staff to quickly become acquainted with the operations of the library, provides ongoing training to make staff aware of new procedures and services, and creates a collaborative and supportive training environment to empower staff to learn and lead.

Promoting Individual and Community Health at the Library
Promoting Individual and Community Health at the Library

Author: Mary Grace Flaherty

Publisher: American Library Association

Published: 2018-11-30

Total Pages: 145

ISBN-13: 0838916279

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Though today’s consumers have unprecedented access to health information, its quality and veracity varies widely. Public libraries can play an important role in supporting library users in their health information seeking efforts. In this book Flaherty shows how to guide library users to high quality health information by relying on up to date, authoritative sources. She also demonstrates why taking the initiative to offer health promotion programming can be a valuable form of community outreach, serving community needs while increasing visibility. Library directors, programming staff, reference librarians, and health educators will all benefit from this book’s patron-centered stance, which features a historic overview of the consumer health movement and how it intersects with public libraries;guidance on finding and evaluating the best print, electronic, and app-based health information sources, with advice on keeping up to date;an in-depth look at collaborative efforts to provide and sponsor simple health-related activities in public libraries, spotlighting programs in action at libraries across the county;instructions on creating, planning, preparing, marketing, and evaluating a public library health program;discussions of important issues surrounding health information provision efforts, including patron privacy and liability concerns; andguidelines for public libraries’ role in public health efforts, including disaster preparedness. Armed with this book’s expert advice and plentiful examples of successful initiatives, public libraries will feel empowered to make a difference in community members’ health and well-being.