A guide for supporting homeless library users

CHICAGO — As homelessness increases across the UK and in other parts of the world, 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. Published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, “Public Libraries and Homelessness: A Practical Guide” explores how public libraries can remain welcoming towards homeless users while also dealing with staff concerns. Kavan P. Stafford draws on an in-depth qualitative study completed by public library staff from across the UK. This book examines:

• 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 organizations;
• public library policies; and
• approaches to changing staff and societal attitudes to homeless library users.

Stafford is a Senior Librarian at NHS Lanarkshire and worked for several years in Glasgow's public libraries. He is on the board of CILIPS and is the chair of the CILIPS Council. 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 issue for publications like The Big Issue.

Facet Publishing, the commercial publishing and bookselling arm of CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, is the leading publisher of books for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Editions publishes resources used by library and information professionals, scholars, students, and educators to improve programs and services, build on best practices, enhance pedagogy, share research, develop leadership, and promote advocacy. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a variety of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions at editionsmarketing@ala.org.