Public library services for the poor : doing all we can

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Where to find it

Information & Library Science Library

Call Number
Z711.92.P66 H65 2010
Status
Available

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Summary

Among public institutions, the library has great potential for helping the poor and disenfranchised. For many, the library is the only refuge for information, literacy, entertainment, language skills, employment help, free computer use and even safety and shelter. Experts Glen and Leslie Holt, with decades of service to inner city communities between them, challenge librarians to do more for poor people. While recognizing the financial crunch libraries are under, the authors offer concrete advice about programs and support for this unique group, showing you how to

Train staff to meet the unique needs of the poor, including youth Cooperate with other agencies in order to form partnerships and collaborations that enrich library services to the poor and homeless Find help, financial and other, for your library

This ground-breaking work demonstrates how five Key Action Areas adopted by the ALA Council (Diversity, Equity of Access, Education and Continuous Learning, Intellectual Freedom, and 21st Century Literacy) apply especially to this disadvantaged population, and motivates librarians to use creative solutions to meet their needs.

Contents

A library commitment to the poor -- Ambivalences about poverty -- Doing our people's work -- Getting started : success principles -- Getting started : service continuum -- What keeps poor people from using libraries? -- Communicating with poor constituents -- Finding help for your poor : a librarian's guide -- General library programs that help the poor -- General services : pacs and their implications -- Specific library services that help the poor -- The homeless : how should our libraries help them? -- Partnerships and collaborations that enrich library services to the poor -- Evaluating library services to the poor -- Poverty and library essentiality.

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