"This workbook provides a framework for what it means to use a trauma-informed lens and how to use that lens in interactions with library patrons. It offers various scenarios that will provide you the opportunity to integrate what you've learned so you can implement the trauma-informed framework in your work and offers a series of exercises that focus on self-care and self-assessment"--

Provided by the Public Library Association (PLA) Social Worker Task Force, which develops and recommends a strategic and coordinated approach for public libraries to address the social service needs of customers, this workbook outlines best practices for a trauma-informed approach to supporting patrons. It first provides information and a framework for the approach, discussing what trauma is and how it impacts library work, navigating challenging behavior, and strategies for de-escalation and the impacts of involving law enforcement and banning patrons, then presents scenarios illustrating specific situations, such as mental health challenges, sleeping, substance use, self-neglect, child abuse or assault, stealing, and solicitation or panhandling, and how to apply the strategies. The book ends with exercises that focus on self-care and self-assessment. Annotation ©2022 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)

Whether it’s navigating a crisis or witnessing a community member struggling with tough times, coming face to face with trauma and adversity can be uncomfortable. But in striving to learn more about challenging behaviors, and how we can better interact with library patrons and our coworkers, we can come to see that people are complex and not simply “problems.” This workbook from the PLA Social Worker Task Force (SWTF) provides a collection of powerful tools to add to your customer service toolbox. It’s filled with prompts, exercises, and best practices that shed light on how trauma can affect people, helping you build confidence in your ability to support your library’s patrons. You will
 

• delve into what trauma is and how it impacts library work;
• be introduced to a framework for utilizing a trauma-informed lens in your interactions;
• practice exercises to spur personal reflection on common concerns bound up with library work and the policies relating to these issues; and
• gain hand-on tools and techniques, including strategies for de-escalation and guidance on the impacts of involving law-enforcement and banning patrons.

 
You will also explore various scenarios which provide the opportunity to integrate what you’ve learned and practice responding through a trauma-informed lens, including
 

• Mental Health Challenges
• Sleeping at the Library
• Strong Personal Odor
• Personal Belongings
• Suspected Intoxication/Under the Influence
• Substance Use
• Threatening Verbal and Nonverbal Behavior
• Unsheltered Teens
• Adult Self-Neglect
• Child Abuse or Assault
• Solicitation or Panhandling
• Stealing
• Child Unattended After Closing

Offering practical guidance and support, this workbook will spark curiosity and reflection on how everyday library interactions intersect with trauma and adversity.