Libraries and Social Justice – serie

Libraries and Sanctuary is a practical guide to how libraries and their staff can support ‘new arrivals’ – people who have crossed borders to reach a country. The book looks at the different drivers behind an individual’s move, their need for signposting, and at the sorts of barriers that are faced by new arrivals and people seeking sanctuary. Readers will discover the background reasons for migration, the global political context of migration, and the likely impacts of both of these. They will also gain an understanding of just how much work libraries have done so far; learn from practical initiatives, ‘what works’ examples and longer case studies; identify gaps in library provision; and find inspiration to start similar initiatives in their own institution. Drawing on the author’s decades of work in libraries and social exclusion, this is a book for anyone seeking to create an inclusive and welcoming library community.

Libraries and Sanctuary is a practical guide to how libraries and their staff can support ‘new arrivals’ – people who have crossed borders to reach a country. The book looks at the different drivers behind an individual’s move, their need for signposting, and at the sorts of barriers that are faced by new arrivals and people seeking sanctuary. Readers will discover the background reasons for migration, the global political context of migration, and the likely impacts of both of these. They will also gain an understanding of just how much work libraries have done so far; learn from practical initiatives, ‘what works’ examples and longer case studies; identify gaps in library provision; and find inspiration to start similar initiatives in their own institution. Drawing on the author’s decades of work in libraries and social exclusion, this is a book for anyone seeking to create an inclusive and welcoming library community.

Drawing on the personal experience of library staff and young people, this essential guide provides guidance on how libraries can best support children and young people in care.Exploring practices that have proved beneficial and effective, and explaining why, this book gives readers the necessary tools to develop good practice in their own library to support vulnerable young people. Chapters include:The support libraries have provided in the past;An overview of the social policy background;How libraries are responding today;The barriers faced by care-experienced children and young people;Case studies that draw on the experience of individuals abroad.This practical guide is a vital resource for librarians seeking to better understand and support children and young people in care.

Drawing on the personal experience of library staff and young people, this essential guide provides guidance on how libraries can best support children and young people in care.Exploring practices that have proved beneficial and effective, and explaining why, this book gives readers the necessary tools to develop good practice in their own library to support vulnerable young people. Chapters include:The support libraries have provided in the past;An overview of the social policy background;How libraries are responding today;The barriers faced by care-experienced children and young people;Case studies that draw on the experience of individuals abroad.This practical guide is a vital resource for librarians seeking to better understand and support children and young people in care.

As homelessness increases across the UK, 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.This much needed, agenda setting book, examines the topic of public libraries and homelessness, and explores how public libraries can remain welcoming towards homeless users while also dealing with staff concerns. Drawing on an in-depth qualitative study completed by public library staff from across the UK, this book covers: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 organisations;Public library policies;Changing staff and societal attitudes to homeless library users.This book is essential reading for any librarian seeking to support homeless library users and transform their library into an inclusive and welcoming space.