Keeping Peace in the Library: Best Practices for Providing Service to Patrons Experiencing Homelessness
Tuesday, April 5, 2016, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Colorado Convention Center, Room 301-303
Does your library serve a large number of persons experiencing homelessness? We know from public health experts that a large number of that population experience mental health issues. How do you provide the best possible service for them while ensuring the comfort and safety of all library patrons? This session will look at the situation from a holistic viewpoint, including the perspectives of security, law enforcement, mental health, and library professionals. Attendees will come away with the latest information and great strategies for success.
At the end of this session, participants will:
1: Know three strategies in dealing with hostile and upset patrons. 2: Be able to work closely with law enforcement and mental health providers in their communities on safety issues. 3: Be able to list three internal communication strategies that help keep their library safe and secure.
The session organizer(s) identified this session as appropriate for:
Level 2: People with some knowledge, who want to increase their understanding.
Tags: Adult Services, Buildings and Facilities, Urban Libraries
Presenters
Sydney McCoy, Branch Administrator
Frederick County Public Libraries, Frederick, MD
Sydney McCoy's first introduction to libraries came in her first semester of college where she started as a library shelver and quickly moved to circulation clerk and cataloger. While finishing her undergraduate degree in criminal justice she realized librarianship was her passion and went straight to library school at Indiana University. Sydney has spoken nationally on library safety and security.
Scot Hopkins, Lt. Col.
Frederick County Sheriff's Department, Frederick, MD
Lt. Colonel Scot Hopkins has been a police officer for 26 years and is currently the Law Enforcement Bureau Chief for the Frederick County (MD) Sheriff's Office. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland and 210th Session of the FBI National Academy. He has worked with the library system for the last 5 years assisting with staff scheduling and devloping security procedures.
Bob Knowles, Manager of Security
Denver Public Library, Denver, CO
Extensive security background in both the public and private sectors, Bob has been the Manager of Security for Denver Public Library for approximately 3 1/2 years, serving the Central Library as well as the 25 branches. Bob's education includes a Bachelor's Degree in Management and a Masters Degree in Security Management.
Elissa Hardy, Social Worker
Denver Public Library, Denver, CO
Costs
SOLD OUT