Public Library Users: Perspectives of Socially Vulnerable Populations

Abstract

Modern public libraries strive for inclusivity. Part of this effort involves enhancing staff capacity for engaging with socially vulnerable populations. This paper presents the outcomes of a study on library use by homeless adults, one of the most vulnerable of populations. The study employed a mix of methods. Part one was quantitative: a survey of library patrons. A second, qualitative phase involved focus groups – two of which were comprised of homeless patrons. Several areas of concern and need emerged, including physical space, safety, library services, and interactions with the library staff.

Keywords:

• Edmonton Public Library
• homeless
• inclusivity
• library behavior policy
• library staff
• public space
• safety
• socially vulnerable population

Notes

1 The study defined homeless as the situation of a person or family without stable, permanent, appropriate housing or the immediate prospects of acquiring it as adapted from The Canadian Homeless Research Network (Gaetz, S., Barr, C., Friesen, A., Harris, B., Hill, C., Kovacs-Burns, K., Pauly, B., Pearce, B., Turner, A., & Marsolais, A. (2012). Canadian Definition of Homelessness. Toronto, Canada: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press).