The poor form a culture in society because they have similar problems and needs, with require various solutions. Most libraries acknowledge that poverty is a problem that relates directly to the library. Certainly when Andrew Carnegie had a vision of the library as putting all people on a level playing surface, he had in mind poor people as well as immigrants. ALA’s Policy 61 starts out:
The American Library Association promotes equal access to information for all persons, and recognizes the urgent need to respond to the increasing number of poor children, adults, and families in America. These people are affected by a combination of limitations, including illiteracy, illness, social isolation, homelessness, hunger, and discrimination, which hamper the effectiveness of traditional library services. Therefore it is crucial that libraries recognize their role in enabling poor people to participate fully in a democratic society, by utilizing a wide variety of available resources and strategies (ALA website).
The library can be a crucial resource for poor people. Librarians can notice the trend that as more people become poor, more people come to the library for various needs: to access a computer, to help find a job, to utilize the programs offered, etc. Of course, this is especially relevant to our current economic troubles.
How, specifically, can libraries accommodate the poor?
Well, going back to Policy 61 quoted above, a group called the Social Responsibilities Round Table started up a task force, called the Hunger, Homelessness and Poverty Task Force designed specifically to promote and enforce ALA Policy 61 in libraries and beyond. But here are some specific things that ALA suggests: removing fees and fines; having materials specifically about poverty; promoting laws that help poor people; educating library staff to the problems and solutions of poverty; programming designed for the poor.
The library I work at, Kalamazoo Public Library, recently hosted a “poverty simulation” for its staff. It was an enlightening look into how it feels to be poor, and a closer look at some of the tough decisions that poor people have to make daily.
Discussion question: if you work at a library or visit one frequently, how has that library helped to accommodate the poor? Or, how can it? Or, how can we as future librarians?
10 comments:
This section reminded me of a story one of my professors was telling my class recently. One day the library where she was working learned that on of their "regulars", an elderly lady that everyone presumed as a bag-lady of sorts, had left her estate to the library when she passed. She was apparently a well to do woman. While my professor didn't say that anyone in the library ever treated her differently, it just shows how looks can be deceiving.
Libraries can help by, as you stated, removing fines that these patrons may have or also allowing them to somehow obtain a library card without having an address. The homeless should have access to libraries as well. I personally love simulations and I think when librarians can empathize with the poor that that will only strengthen their support for such people and allow for equitable practices within that library.
The following statement,"In Denver, Colorado, an advocacy group for low-income communities charged that libraries in Denver's poorest areas are open fewer hours than those elsewhere, noting that fewer library hours contribute to learning gaps between low-income and more affluent students." also reveals other types of situations that occur in poorer communities. One would think that since education is the first step in bridging the gap between the rich and the poor that libraries in poverty-stricken communities would be open longer, contain more resources, conduct workshops etc. Unfortunately, many times that is not the case. So, some of my other suggestions would be that librarians take that extra initiative even if it mean that they have to take from their own time to do so and even if it means that staying open longer will not add more to their paycheck. If everyone just contributed a little bit of their own time it would go a long way. COnducting pilot programs in such communities would also help, espcially if they prove successful.
http://www.thestreetspirit.org/Feb2006/libraries.htm
Every year around tax return time, our library offers free tax help, though their numbers are limited. The increased number of free computer terminals and free workshops are all beneficial for the poor. "Poor" schools that don't have the funds to start their own library can benefit from the Mobil Library program which brings books to the schools once a week.
The fact that the library is open to anyone, is significant in itself as far as offering temporary shelter from the elements and bathrooms, although this is not meant to be a service specifically for the needy.
I think our library could do more in order to work with the suggestion of the ALA to have "materials specifically about poverty", and promote those to their patrons.
I think though, that it is far fetched to expect that libraries can do much more in this direction.
Possibly, libraries could have outreach programs that resemble the Mobile Library or the prison initiative where incarcerated parents read books to their children onto video or audio tape which is then sent to their children. Some new programs could target homeless shelters or low income neighborhoods. The library could possibly be a locus of organizing where patrons that are willing to give time or resources to those that need it can be matched up.
It is important for the library to accommodate their services to the poor because in many circumstances those that are disadvantaged economically are in need of these services the most. Some suggestions such as removing fines and fees would help encourage people to check out material frequently without fear of accruing any fines, if for some reason they cannot make it back to the library in time. I like that Jeehan mentioned not requiring someone to provide their address on the card application, in case this person does not have a stable residence. Another suggestion would be for libraries to have workshops that help people find government assistance programs, look for employment, and help increase literacy skills. The would help people gain the skills that may in turn be useful in improving their current situation.
I didn't explain what I meant by not expecting libraries to do more than they already do. Of course that doesn't seem like a very progressive opinion. But in a way, we can look at this issue from the perspective of the library that has just installed a dozen new computers, trained a dozen new employees to work with patrons in the lab, allocated funds to start the new teen center, and has been doing extensive staff and service evaluations to better library service. They have stretched themselves thin expanding their programs to attract patrons and promoting themselves through web design, outreach and popular media. The next thing is, they now are challenged to find new ways to alleviate poverty. I just wouldn't like to be that manager...
One library I have visited has a librarian on staff that constantly helps poor members of the society apply for jobs. They tend to look for her when she is absent. I think that communication is again the key to helping these patrons. Once a trust is established they are more apt to take advantage of the services. This brings to mind of how when speaking to the librarian she mentioned how often some of them expect libraries offer services for money only. This is not the first time I have heard this mentioned. It is sad that they think such great provisions are offered only for a price.
In Marshall, we are finding ourselves helping patrons apply for jobs, write resumes, and teach basic computer skills. With the economy in poor shape it seems that the library has become a popular place. our Circulation stats have gone way up over the last year.
I would suggest too, that for some libraries, there may be state or federal funding opportunities available, which could help lead to extended services or hours for the library. I would be the first to say I know how difficult and discouraging the process can be--there may be rejections, mistakes, etc. But it is important to learn from these and bounce back and keep trying for the funding. Just because one orgnaization says no does not mean another will have the same answer. For libraries in urban and rural communities, I would suggest that the committed librarian might want to put in the extra effort as Jeehan suggests and maybe take a grant writing course, or at least find out what it takes to get funding. It is a tough process, but could be very worthwhile.
I was looking at the website of the public library I go to, and there was a note from the director that relates to this issue. It states,
"Over a year ago, I wrote in this space that the library was a good value, especially in tough economic times. Since then, the economy has become even tighter, with financial uncertainties keeping everyone on edge.... Think of your library card as a credit card, but better – no annual fees, no interest, no monthly payments, but always able to get you all of the books, DVD’s, magazines, family programs and Internet access you can use."
The existence of a library helps those with limited funds by providing these services to them for free. They have access to books for both educational and entertainment purposes, Internet usage, and non-print media. Many libraries also host family event nights, such as Movie Nights once a week. This free form of entertainment helps not only families who wish to spend some time in the library for fun, but also those who want a form of entertainment without a hefty price tag. The beauty of the library is that it's open to everyone and treats all as patrons.
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