Public Library Services for the Poor; Doing All We Can

Citation

Freeman, M. (2011), "Public Library Services for the Poor; Doing All We Can", New Library World, Vol. 112 No. 11/12, pp. 575-575. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074801111190464

As austerity bites ever deeper into our everyday lives perhaps the public library will come into its own. As publishers of this book note “for many the library is the only refuge for information, literacy, entertainment, language skills, employment help, free computer use and even safety and shelter”. Noble sentiments, of which our Victorian predecessors would have warmly improved. Clearly, a whole raft of buzzwords are about to impact on the LIS profession: frugality, prudence, thrift, austerity, multi‐functioning and “making do”. One is reminded of the Bauhaus masters' priceless axiom: “Less is More”.

Thus, this useful book from the American Library Association is both timely and appropriate. The two authors – experienced and authoritative public librarians both – bring forward a well‐argued, clear case for libraries to help the poor and disadvantaged in our society and provide some useful and pertinent case studies and practical scenarios. Defining the “poor” can be tortuous and frustratingly bureaucratic – the USA seems to have difficulty in this area particularly wrestling with federal, state and city definitions, which often differ.

There is an interesting and perceptive chapter on “What keeps poor people from my Libraries?” – something we, as a profession, do not think about too much. Getting a Library Card might not be too easy for a poor and homeless person: even fines and charges may be a significant deterrent. How Library staff communicate with semi‐literate or illiterate consumers raises several issues. Gang and street life and personal safety can impact on local library provision and use. The bureaucratic machine of local government and its libraries can be overwhelming to the poor, immigrants, homeless and unemployed. Good examples are given of multi‐agency cooperation and special library services for the poor and disadvantaged and there is a helpful and clear chapter on evaluating library services to the poor.

Although being very American in bias and example this is a well‐produced, helpful and timely book of particular value and relevance to public librarians everywhere who are having to cope with the new economic realities of our society.