Disruptions in HSPLS

Mary, Kathy, Rebecca, Emma, and Sean

Objective:
To learn more about
the public libraries
policies regarding
service to homeless
and unruly patrons
and the ethical
implications thereof.

Ethical Codes:
FREE AND OPEN ACCESS TO ALL

ALA Bill of Rights & ALA Code of Ethics

Patrons background

Free Information

BOE library policies

Importance of access to libraries in community
HSPLS "House Rules"
Alcohol
Personal property
Disruptive behavior
IFLA code of ethics:
Free access to information for all
Example: Netherlands Professional Charter

Set of Values: Find solutions that transform the lives of

homeless and at-risk people (IHS Mission Statement)

Free/Open Access (Or Lack Thereof)

Access

Policies that are in place

Informal
Trespassing

CoE for those who work in the library

Security Guards (some)

Staff

Challenges

Signage (Dos & Donts)

Children being unruly
Drug Paraphernalia

Literature Review
-

Mary: Homelessness in Public Libraries (Wong)

Emma: New Library Policy and Homelessness in New Brunswick (Hamza)
Rebecca: ALA Homelessness Toolkit (ALA)
Sean: Not Just a Place to Sleep (Kelleher)
Kathy: Partnering With Homeless Service Organizations Blog (Ungar)

Do Hawaii libraries have a homelessness problem?

State-wide (50 libraries)
Yes = 14 libraries
No = 20 libraries
Sometimes/Probably =
3 libraries
Rarely = 5 libraries
No Response = 8 libraries
Disclaimer: Some libraries
proved more challenging
to contact than others

Do Oahu libraries have a homelessness problem?

Oahu (24 libraries)
Y = 9 libraries
N = 8 libraries
S/P = 2 libraries
R = 2 libraries
N/R = 3 libraries
Disclaimer: Some libraries
proved more challenging
to contact than others

Questions We Asked:
-

How do you know a patron is homeless?

What would be considered a homelessness problem?
Can we see their field notes or reports of what happened?
Do the security guards follow the same code of ethics or different?
What are some of the problem patrons that they have?
How do they communicate someone's banishment from the library?
Do they have set policies on ejecting or banning patrons? What are they?
Do they treat patrons who are regularly disruptive different from those who
are newly disruptive? If yes, how so?
- Is there a code of ethics you adhere to more than others? For example,
does the ALA code of ethics take precedence over IFLA?

Group Members Libraries

-

Mary: Residential library near a university

Emma: Suburban library
Rebecca: Downtown library
Sean: Tourist area
Kathy: Rural Oahu library

Demographic:

Library A

Near 2 schools, 2
parks, and a popular
shave ice place
Residential

Problems Reported:
Increase in mentally-ill,
violent patrons
Drug paraphernalia waste
Homeless patrons

Analysis

Follows HSPLS rules and

cooperates with the HPD when
necessary.

Need HPDs assistance when

trespassing people

Doesnt discriminate against

homeless patrons
House rules are based on
established codes of ethics.

Library B:

Demographics:

About 7 schools located

nearby (13-17)
Between two elementary
schools
Children are #1
Donations widely
accepted
Branch Manager (Librarian IV) Everyone comes in

Branch Manager:
Received their MLIS in 1980s
from another college
Working at this location for 11
years
Works with their staff

Problems:
Disruptive patrons
Policy Police

Children
Running
Noisy

Finding paraphernalia & druglike behaviors

Homeless & IHS
New Patrons
Parking
Lack of understanding

Analysis

ALA CoE are followed

Disruptive patrons

Security Incident Report

Banned from the library
Who?
How long?
2 types

Open doors
Policies are strictly followed
Activities/ Programs

Branch Demographics

Library C
Operations Managing Librarian,
Reference Librarian, Circulation Librarian

Located in business and

government district
Full Service including online
materials
Extensive archive collection
Free Wi-fi
Passport application
processing
7 public and private schools
(including 3 preschools) in
the immediate vicinity

Problems
Encountered:
Health & Safety
Access to Computers

Drugs

Alcohol

Cleanliness of Restrooms

Computer Access

Analysis
1. All certificated librarians follow the ALA Bill of Rights
2. Tasks are departmentalized
3. Only aggressive/disruptive patrons are asked to leave
BUT

Library staff try to preserve rights and dignity of all patrons

Branch/Demographics
-

Library D
Childrens/YA Librarian

Area has many visitors

Densely populated
Several large parks
High schools in other
neighborhoods

- Extensive fiction and

audiobook collections

Problems

Irregularity of disruptions
New staff/security
Premises/community laws
Emotional problems
Charging stations

Image available under a Creative Commons

Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License.

Analysis
-

HSPLS Policies/House Rules

Police intervention
Trespass Warning
No ethical violations
Clarity of policies/practice
Possible lack of uniformity

Demographics are:

Library E

close ties to the community,

two elementary schools,
agricultural community,
working poor and 1%-ers,
culturally rich,
military presence,
extreme tourism destination

Each time a person

comes into the library,
they have a chance with
me.

ALA Code of Ethics I

We provide the highest level of
service to all library users through
appropriate and usefully organized
resources; equitable service policies;
equitable access; and accurate,
unbiased, and courteous responses
to all requests.

Other Librarians weigh in...

It's a public library. Not a homeowners'
library. knowyourknot on reddit.com
I'm fond of saying that your local government
has no social agenda that cannot involve the
public library. We are SO not "just books."
knowyourknot on reddit.com

If you say that sleeping is against the rules,

you must be willing to kick out your friend's
drowsy grandpa. If you set a time limit on how
long someone can spend in the library, you have
to be willing to kick out the teenagers that
spend the whole day there reading manga.
smootie on reddit.com

Where is a safe and comfortable place you

would seek refuge if you were in their shoes?
steve_mahananhan or reddit.com

Overall Analysis

Librarians try to treat all patrons with

dignity and equality
Conflict between equality and open
access for all?

All librarians are knowledgeable and

follow ALA CoE, and BoR
Public libraries have policies in place to
address issues
This issue reflects conditions occurring in
the community

No. 1 solution
Each library must serve its
community in its own way

Padlet
If you want to add to this discussion, you can contribute at http://tinyurl.
com/610padlet

References
American Library Association. (2008). Code of ethics of the American Library Association. American Library Association. Retrieved from:
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/proethics/codeofethics/codeethics
American Library Association Office for Literacy and Outreach Services. (2012). Extending Our Reach Reducing Homelessness through Library
Engagement. Retrieved from: http://www.ala.org/offices/sites/ala.org.offices/files/content/olos/toolkits/poorhomeless_FINAL.pdf
Associated Press. (2015). How libraries are adapting to help homeless find jobs, health services. Huffington Post. Retrieved from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/24/nashville-library- homeless_n_6746162.html
Hamza, S. (2014). New library policy and homelessness in New Brunswick. UWIRE Text, p. 1. Retrieved from:
http://www.dailytargum.com/article/2014/11/new-library-policy-in-new-brunswick
Hawaii Library Association. (2014). The aisle between the shelves is a corridor out of poverty: Public libraries & homelessness. Retrieved from:
http://hawaiilibraryassociation.weebly.com/sessions.html
"Homeless People in Libraries /r/Libraries." Reddit. N.p., 2014.Web. 25 Nov. 2015. Retrieved from:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Libraries/comments/1whoi2/homeless_people_in_libraries/
Honolulu council approves expansion on sit-lie ban [Video file]. (2014). Retrieved from:
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/27391756/honolulu-council-approves-expansion- on-sit-lie-ban

References
IFLA Code of Ethics for Librarians and other Information Workers (full version). (n.d.). Retrieved from:
http://www.ifla.org/news/ifla-code-of-ethics-for-librarians-and-other-information-workers-full-version
Kelleher, A. (2013). Not just a place to sleep: homeless perspectives on libraries in central Michigan. Library Review 62 (1/2), 19 - 33. Retrieved
from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/00242531311328122
Muggleton, T. H. (2013). Public libraries and difficulties with targeting the homeless. Library Review, 62(1/2), 7-18. Retrieved from:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/00242531311328113
RUSA. (Reference and User Services Association). (2013). Guidelines for behavioral performance of reference and information service providers.
American Library Association. Retrieved from: http://www.ala.org/rusa/resources/guidelines/guidelinesbehavioral
Wong, Y. (2009). Homelessness in Public libraries. Journal of Access Services, 6(3), 396-410. Retrieved from:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15367960902908599
Ungar, Arwen. "Partnering with Homeless Serving Organizations - ALSC Blog." ALSC Blog. Association for Library Service to Children, 19 Oct.
2015. Web. 19 Nov. 2015. Retrieved from: http://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2015/10/partnering-with-homeless-serving-organizations/

Image Citations
Slide 1: Reference Desk. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4134/4885668460_c972386be6.jpg
Slide1:Homeless in the restroom. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.naijauntamed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/libr.jpg
Slide 1:Noise. (n.d.). Retrieved from:http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2013/04/03/1226611/389629-merrylands-library.jpg
Slide 1:Eating in the library. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://dailyurbanculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/329.jpg
Slide 1: Bathing in the bathroom. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://blog.sfgate.com/opinionshop/files/2014/10/sfinsider09_052_ls2.jpg
Slide 2: Ethics Scale. (n.d.). http://hlwiki.slais.ubc.ca/images/e/ea/Ethics.jpg
Slide 3: Ethics Header. (n.d.). Retrieved from:http://davefleet.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/ethics_header.jpg
Slide 4: Ichiki, E. (Photographer). (2015). Sign in the library [Photograph].
Slide 8: Question Mark. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://bit.ly/1Okly2W
Slide 11: M, V. (Photographer). (2014, April 30). Kickball field [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://bit.ly/1RoeGnO
Slide 12: Drugs and drug paraphernalia. [2010] [Photograph]by Bor Slana Retrieved from http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/12/24/us-drug-overdoses-idUSTRE6BN1VV20101224
Slide 13: School House. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://images.clipartpanda.com/school-clip-art-school-clipart22.png
Slide 14: Shh-ing librarian. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://s3.amazonaws.com/lowres.cartoonstock.com/miscellaneous-library-quiet-machine-ssh-quieten_down-amc0428_low.jpg
Slide 15 & 16: Yelp logo. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/Yelp_Logo.svg/1024px-Yelp_Logo.svg.png
Slide17: Talking on the phone. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://40.media.tumblr.com/41f94dbf65100d80bbaa00680e834d08/tumblr_nlioxrg52T1ro61u8o1_1280.jpg
Slide17: Drug needles. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/infogram-particles-700/newvisions2k14_1389192408.jpg
Slide17: Lot full sign. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.myparkingsign.com/img/lg/K/Lot-Full-Parking-Lot-Sign-K-4148.gif
Slide17: Girl running. (n.d.). retrieved from: http://bit.ly/1QiZQ19
Slide17:Homeless sign. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://mhn.centersite.org/images/root/carriehomeless.jpg
Slide 18: Ethics circle. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://ctri.ucsd.edu/PublishingImages/Ethics-pic.jpg

Image Citations (cont.)

Slide 20: Empty Whisky Bottle [photograph]. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.huckfinengishiii.blogspot.com
Slide 20: Cartoon Dog Poo [cartoon]. (2014). Retrieved from http://shutr.bz/1PZNf2M
Slide 20: Simple and Serene Living [photograph].(2012). Retrieved from http://www.simpleandsereneliving.com
Slide 20: Free Computer Image [photograph]. (2015). Retrieved from http://digipraim.com/611232-free-computer.html
Slide 21: Ill Huff...Ill Puff...Ill Strip Your... (2014) [word art]. Retrieved from: https://mkatenusu.wordpress.com/2015/05/07/ill-huff-and-ill-puffan
Slide 23: Gnome icon artists (Artist). (2008, January 12). Gnome battery low. [Digital image]. Retrieved from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gnome-battery-low.svg
Slide 23: Ripple Effect on Water. [Photograph]. (2009). Retrieved from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ripple_effect_on_water.jpg
Slide 25: Horses Sue Salisbury Maui Hawaii [photograph] by Sue Salisbury Maui HawaiI Google Images Labeled for Non-Commercial Use at
https://www.flickr.com/photos/sue_salisbury-maui-hawaii/13969236387
Slide 29: Somewhere a library without cloakroom. Homeless person reading in the Tsim Sha Tsui Public Library, Hong Kong [photograph] (2008) by Stones15woon, Google Images Labeled for Non-Commercial Use
found at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:TST_East_Library_Red-White-Blue_Plastic_Bags_a.jpg
Slide 30: A Homeless Person in a Park in Ahvaz, Iran [photograph] Google Images Labeled for Non-Commercial Use found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homelessness
Slide 31: Lahaina Public Library Front Lawn, Maui Hawaii 1 (2004) by Michael Porger, Google Images Labeled for Non-Commercial Use found at
https://www.flickr.com/photos/libraryman/5965681
Slide 32: [photograph] (2015) by Kathy Helfrich
Slide 33: [photograph] (2015) by Kathy Helfrich
Slide 39: [photograph] (2015) by Kathy Helfrich

Disruptions in HSPLS
Mary Campany
Kathy Helfrich
Rebecca Hirakami
Emma-Lia Ichiki
Sean Nagamatsu
2015