Overview

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.

Full Product Details

9781783307760

Table of Contents

Reviews

This is one of those topics that’s easy to oversimplify, and this book doesn’t do that. It handles a complicated, often contentious issue with compassion and care. Even if you don’t agree with every takeaway, you’ll come away thinking more clearly about what’s actually happening on our streets and in our libraries. I know this area well, and I learned something new right out of the gate! -- Ryan Dowd, author of The Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness This book clearly identifies that public libraries play a unique role in the lives of people experiencing homelessness and provides well-researched guidance for preparing staff and spaces to best support this community. Grounded in real-life stories, it honours the humanity of those who rely on libraries while thoughtfully illuminating the complex, everyday dilemmas faced by library workers. -- Professor Jane Garner, Associate Professor, Charles Sturt University This book offers a compelling, research informed call to action, revealing how public libraries can become essential, inclusive spaces for people experiencing homelessness and equipping library staff with the practical skills and ethical frameworks needed to offer meaningful support. -- Maja Kralic, Associate Professor, Information Studies, Victoria University of Wellington At a time when homelessness is rising across the UK and public libraries are being asked to do more with less, Kavan Stafford has written exactly the book the profession needed to meet the needs of this often-under-served group of users. Drawing on a rich qualitative study of library staff from across the country alongside his personal experience in the sector, this is no detached academic exercise - it is a deeply human, evidence-rooted examination of one of the most pressing challenges facing public libraries today. Kavan handles the complexity of this issue with real sensitivity. Based on his sectoral experience alongside his academic work, he neither romanticises the library's role nor dismisses the very real pressures faced by overstretched staff. Instead, he explores the tensions honestly while pointing toward practical, workable solutions. This book will challenge you, inform you, and ultimately equip you. If you work in a public library, are involved in policy work related to libraries or the homeless, or simply care about what public libraries are for, it is a book you will find immensely useful. -- Dr David McMenemy, Reader in Information Studies, University of Glasgow This is a great example of research into practice. The book makes an important contribution to understanding the role of public libraries in supporting people experiencing homelessness in the UK. Drawing on the author’s recent empirical research and deep engagement with library services, it offers clarity, compassion and guidance, grounding big societal questions in the everyday realities faced by both those experiencing homelessness and frontline library staff. The guidance on library policies, staff training, partnership working with social workers – informed by the author’s research and expertise in this area, and challenges to existing misconceptions, will give library teams the tools they need to respond to the complex needs of those experiencing homelessness. For anyone committed to maintaining public libraries as welcoming, safe, and socially responsive spaces, this will be an invaluable resource. -- Dr Jessica Bates, Programme Director for Library and Information Management, School of Education, Ulster University

This is one of those topics that’s easy to oversimplify, and this book doesn’t do that. It handles a complicated, often contentious issue with compassion and care. Even if you don’t agree with every takeaway, you’ll come away thinking more clearly about what’s actually happening on our streets and in our libraries. I know this area well, and I learned something new right out of the gate! -- Ryan Dowd, author of The Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness

Author Information

Kavan P. Stafford is a Senior Librarian at NHS Lanarkshire. He has worked for several years in Glasgow’s public libraries and is Vice Chair of the CILIPS Board. In 2023, he was included in the CILIP 125 list of the next generation of library leaders, and in 2024, he was shortlisted for Scottish Library and Information Professional of the Year for his work on homelessness in Glasgow Libraries. He has presented on the topic of public libraries and homelessness at national conferences and has written about the subject for publications like The Big Issue.

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