"This book is an essential guide for librarians looking to create a safe and welcoming environment for patrons from all walks of life, providing practical strategies for de-escalating difficult situations in a trauma-informed way and guidance on creatinga trauma-informed library culture"--
Providing trauma-informed strategies that address many common scenarios, this hands-on resource will show library workers how to de-escalate difficult situations safely and effectively.
Because libraries are community spaces that provide access to information, resources, and programming for people of all ages and backgrounds, conflicts between patrons, verbal or physical altercations, and other difficult situations can occur. These situations can be traumatic for those involved, whether patrons or staff, making it essential that librarians know how to de-escalate them in trauma-informed ways. Utilizing the framework from PLA’s best-seller
A Trauma-informed Framework for Supporting Patrons, this workbook walks readers through building micro-skills for handling difficult situations, providing
- a succinct overview of how to define and understand trauma, including its definition, causes, effects, and manifestations;
- evidence-informed approaches drawn from the fields of social work, psychology, and counseling;
- dozens of activities, handouts, and worksheets designed to spur reflection and help readers build upon the practices introduced in the book;
- guidance on debriefing, evaluation, facing compassion fatigue, and other aftercare topics; and
- appendices that provide information on mental health resources, crisis intervention hotlines, and further reading on trauma and burnout.
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I Understanding Trauma and Mental Health
Chapter 1 Understanding Trauma
Chapter 2 Mental Health 101
Part II Foundation and Skill-building
Chapter 3 The Escalation Cycle
Chapter 4 Guiding Principles of The Tools
Chapter 5 Reflect: Consider Cultural and Historical Issues
Chapter 6 Connect: Focus on Relationships
Chapter 7 Respect: Engage in Choice and Collaboration
Chapter 8 Protect: Promote Safety
Chapter 9 Redirect: Encourage Skill-building and Confidence
Part III Aftercare
Chapter 10 Debriefing
Chapter 11 Evaluation
Chapter 12 Recognizing the Emotional Impact of Library Work
Conclusion
Appendixes
Appendix A: Mental Health Assistance Resources
Appendix B: Crisis Intervention Resources
Appendix C: National Crisis Hotlines
Appendix D: Further Reading on Trauma
Appendix E: Further Reading on Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Moral Injury
References
Index
Dr. Margaret Ann Paauw is an Assistant Professor at Eastern Michigan University and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Dr. Paauw has been practicing social work since 2012, working mainly with people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity and serious mental illness. Dr. Paauw worked as a library social worker for the Chicago Public Library, was an active member of the Public Library Associations Library Social Work Taskforce, facilitated the library social work direct service call, and co-authored A Trauma Informed Framework for Supporting Patrons. Dr. Paauw has consulted on library social work partnerships and provided trauma-informed and de-escalation trainings to libraries across the country. Dr. Paauws main area of research has been on the efficacy of library social work partnerships, building the body of research contributing to evidence for this practice.
