Old Problem for New Reasons

Summary

Evening staff members of the Research and Information Services Department (RISD) at the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Libraries have recently noticed an apparent increase in the use of the library by people perceived to be mentally ill. RISD staff members have found themselves in some ways unpreparedtorespond comfortably to this change. This paper, a case study, proposes reasons for this increased visibility of mentally ill people, and describes the challenges the staff members faced and how they overcame them. The RISD staff members acquired the knowledge and confidence they need to work with mentally ill people through communication among colleagues, review of the literature, and staff training.

Key Words:

• Mentally ill
• problem patrons
• problem situations
• extended hours
• evening staff members
• public Internet access