Training Staff to Serve Patrons Experiencing Homelessness in the Suburbs
***BEFORE YOU REGISTER FOR THIS ON-DEMAND WEBINAR PLEASE REVIEW IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION BELOW***
A PLA 2020 Virtual Conference On-Demand Session
Libraries in suburban communities are seeing a rise in homelessness, and many staff are unprepared to handle the needs of this population. We look at situations that have occurred at Mid-Continent (Missouri) Public Library and steps that we took to train staff in ways to serve the needs of this demographic, from locating social services resources to de-escalation techniques. We discuss easy to implement training and techniques for libraries of all sizes.
Originally presented as part of the PLA 2020 Virtual Conference on February 28, 2020.
This session aligns with the pathway for Community Advocates in PLA's Theory of Change for Professional Development. To learn more, please visit ala.org/pla/education/theoryofchange.
Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will be able to:
- Identify and de-myth at least two stereotypes of homelessness;
- Create a plan of trainings that could be helpful to your own staff; and
- Differentiate between the individual’s right to use the library and the public’s right to a safe space.
Who Should Attend
This on-demand session is intended for those with no previous knowledge of the topic.
Panelists
Rebecca Richardson manages the Boardwalk Branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library. She has presented several places including ALA and LOEX. She has published in journals and books on topics including library outreach for small libraries, open access, social media and library use, and thematic instruction. She holds an MLS from Clarion University of Pennsylvania where she was a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian scholar for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Dustin Koopman manages the Safety and Security Department of the Mid-Continent Public Library and is responsible for its’ 31 branch locations and the administrative headquarters facility. Prior to working for Mid-Continent, Dustin was a law enforcement officer who spent nearly a decade in the Greater Kansas City area and was an instructor in several areas. Dustin received his Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership, and is a member of Sigma Beta Delta national honor society.
Important Registration Information
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Accommodations
This on-demand webinar is closed captioned in English (United States).
If you have a physical or communication need that may affect your access to this on-demand webinar, please contact us at plawebinars@ala.org or 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752) prior to registering so we can attempt to provide appropriate accommodations.
Tech Requirements
To play this on-demand webinar you should use a browser with native HTML5 support. Please use the most up-to-date version available of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, or Edge. A fast Internet connection and computer is recommended.
Contact
This webinar is presented by the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).
If you have questions or problems accessing a recording, send a message to plawebinars@ala.org or call 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752).
