Libraries and the substance abuse crisis : supporting your community

Title:

Author:

Grove, Cindy, 1979- author

ISBN:

9780838947395

Publication:

Chicago : ALA Editions, 2020.

Physical Description:

xv, 107pages ; 23 cm.

Contents:

The library's role in the fight against addiction -- Understanding addiction -- People in distress -- Behavior and stigma -- Library safety and security -- Library policies -- Library services -- Library outreach and marketing -- Training for staff -- Conclusion: Being part of the solution -- Appendixes -- Appendix A: Observable signs of common drugs -- Appendix B: Further reading and viewing.

Abstract:

"This book provides an overview of the substance abuse crisis, discusses the library's role in the fight against addiction, and shares strategies, policies, and services that library staff can implement to support their community and maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons"-- Provided by publisher.

Subject Term:

Libraries and addicts -- United States.

Libraries and community -- United States.

Substance abuse.

Local Subject:

LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE COLLECTION

Available:

Library	Call Number	Material Type	Status
Searching... State Library of Oregon	021.2 Grove	4-Week Loan	Searching... Unknown

Bound With These Titles

On Order

Summary

The opioid epidemic, and other behavioral health issues such as alcohol and drug abuse, directly impact every community across the nation; and, by extension, public libraries' daily work. Because libraries are not only trusted guardians of information but also vital community centers, people struggling with addictive behaviors as well as their family members and friends often turn to the library for help. But many library workers feel overwhelmed, finding themselves unprepared for serving these patrons in an effective and empathetic way. This book encourages readers to turn their fears and uncertainty into strengths and empowerment, offering to-the-point guidance on welcoming people with substance use disorders and their loved ones through policy, materials, outreach, collaboration, programs, and services. Written by a frontline librarian whose personal experiences inform the book, this resource

explores the library's role in the fight against addiction and how to become part of the solution by combating stigma; provides background on understanding how substance abuse and related behaviors affect different age groups and populations; explains how to be proactive regarding library safety and security by carefully crafting library policies and effectively communicating them to staff; offers real world guidance on training library staff, including pointers on recognizing observable signs of drug abuse and responding appropriately and safely to uncomfortable or potentially dangerous situations; discusses safeguards such as a needle disposal unit, defibrillator, and Naloxone; gives tips on marketing, outreach, and programming, from putting together displays of materials and resources to partnering with local organizations; and recommends useful websites, documentaries, and additional resources for further learning.

Author Notes

Cindy Grove is the director of a public library in New England. She has worked in libraries for over sixteen years and also has five years' experience working with various social service agencies. Throughout her life she has worked with people with substance use disorders and their loved ones. She has also appeared as a panelist on several webinars that focus on substance use disorders and mental health.

Summary:

Reviews (2)

School Library Journal Review

With the explosion of opioid addiction, worsening economic conditions, and increasing homelessness, all of which exacerbate and highlight mental health issues, libraries are being forced to take on new roles, including overdose intervention and treatment. Grove, a psychology major who worked for social service agencies before finding a second career as a librarian, provides a primer on the causes and signs of addiction (to opioids and other drugs) and discusses the different groups (such as children and parents of addicts) that may also be affected. She stresses that libraries should be welcoming spaces for those struggling with addiction and explains how to create such an atmosphere, including guidelines for staff training, creating policies and services, and ensuring safety and security. Grove also makes suggestions for outreach and marketing. VERDICT A slim volume packed with practical information on recognizing those dealing with substance abuse issues, planning services for them and their families, and safeguarding spaces and training staff for emergencies.--Sara Holder, Univ. of Illinois Libs., Champaign

Library Journal Review

With the explosion of opioid addiction, worsening economic conditions, and increasing homelessness, all of which exacerbate and highlight mental health issues, libraries are being forced to take on new roles, including overdose intervention and treatment. Grove, a psychology major who worked for social service agencies before finding a second career as a librarian, provides a primer on the causes and signs of addiction (to opioids and other drugs) and discusses the different groups (such as children and parents of addicts) that may also be affected. She stresses that libraries should be welcoming spaces for those struggling with addiction and explains how to create such an atmosphere, including guidelines for staff training, creating policies and services, and ensuring safety and security. She also makes suggestions for outreach and marketing. VERDICT A slim volume packed with practical information on recognizing those dealing with substance abuse issues, planning services for them and their families, and safeguarding spaces and training staff for emergencies.--Sara Holder, Univ. of Illinois Libs., Champaign