Homelessness and libraries --In memory of Rangi Carroll (1958-2017) Hao Zhang Auckland Libraries

Homelessness in New Zealand Homelessness has been recognized as a social problem around the world since the early 1980s. It also brings challenges to libraries. Homelessness in New Zealand has significantly increased since 2006 (Amore, 2016). In 2016, Auckland City Misson’s (2016) media release revealed the new figure—200 of rough sleepers in central Auckland. It is therefore important to know how the homeless see the role of public libraries in their lives and listening to them who may tell the different stories. It also raises the question of whether librarians need to rethink their responsibilities regarding designing the right services for the homeless.

Region estimates Homelessness is particularly an issue in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington. Most of the patrons without homes are sleeping rough (living without shelter). (Bellamy, 2014)

Services for rough sleepers at Auckland Central City Library Monday Movies Wednesday Book Club Friday Reading Revolution

My MIS Research Project I examined rough sleepers’ perspectives on public libraries’ services: Using Auckland Central City Library as a case study. 8 rough sleepers/former homeless patrons, and 4 staff members were interviewed. The feedback from them may be of great benefit to policy development and programme delivery within the New Zealand Public Libraries sector. My MIS Research Project

Library literature Most of the library and information science literature explores the potential services models for the homeless But the challenges public libraries facing are recurring. Distinctions between homelessness and rough sleepers

Rough sleepers/Former homeless patrons interviews Public libraries experience Members/Regular Customers Central City Library Resources Safe place--Sleep “You know when I was homeless, I had nowhere to go. I come here (Central City Library), read a book, keep warm out of the wind, or go to the Auckland City Mission for food, then come back. It took me a long time to get to this stage.” -----A former rough sleeper’s voice

Using services at Auckland Libraries Feelings- Motivations to join in- “My motivation is just to get up everyday, and do something. ” “I like listening. And when I talk, they know what you are talking about. I find that is really amazing. People don’t know what homeless know.” “The environment, the social communication, and librarians.” “Talking to other people. ” “It’s educational.” “Free coffee.” “We feel loved and respected”; “There is not so much feeling. It’s all based on trust”; “When I participate, I feel good and comfortable”; “I feel belong, and I feel I am part of the team.”

Staff members’ feedback “It changed the dynamic between staff and patrons.” “Make me feel safe.” “I am not scared anymore when I see them outside the library.” “They really need to be supported.” “They are not problem patrons.” “Disagreement between staff members still exist.”

Many rough sleepers consider the Auckland Central Library to be their “lounge.” Talk to your homeless patrons. They are desperate to be heard. Library is changing or library needs to face the changes. It is the time to rethink the library’s role, and librarians’ role. Co-design, partnership, and understanding communities helps us deliver the right services for customers, with customers. Developing relevant policy at the local and national level may be an important goal. Implications

Homeless isn’t hopeless Any questions? Comments? Or Stories to share?

References: Amore, K. (2016). Severe housing deprivation in Aotearoa/New Zealand: 2001-2013. He Kainga Oranga/Housing & Health Research Programme, University of Otago, Wellington. Retrieved from http://www.statisphere.govt.nz/~/media/Statistics/about-us/statisphere/Files/severe-housing-deprivation/severe-housing-deprivation.pdf Auckland City Mission, Auckland Council, Lifewise, ThinkPlace (2015). An Insight into the Experience of Rough Sleeping in Central Auckland. Auckland: Lifewise, Auckland Council, Auckland City Mission, ThinkPlace. Retrieved from: https://www.lifewise.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/rough-sleeping-report.pdf Auckland City Mission, Auckland Council, Lifewise, ThinkPlace (2015). An Insight into the Experience of Rough Sleeping in Central Auckland. Auckland: Lifewise, Auckland Council, Auckland City Mission, ThinkPlace. Retrieved from: https://www.lifewise.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/rough-sleeping-report.pdf Auckland City Mission. (2016). 200 and counting-Central Auckland’s rough sleepers population reaches record high. Retrieved from http://www.aucklandcitymission.org.nz/2016/06/08/200-counting-central-aucklands-rough-sleeper-population-reaches-record-high/ Bellamy, P. (2014). Homelessness in New Zealand. Parliamentary Library Research Paper. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/research-papers/document/00PLEcoRP14021/homelessness-in-new-zealand Kelleher, A. (2013). Not just a place to sleep: homeless perspectives on libraries in central Michigan. Library Review, 62(1/2), 19-33. Picture 1. (2012). Sleeing rough is street legal. Retrieved from http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-star-times/latest-edition/6481163/Sleeping-rough-is-street-legal Picture 2. (2017). A film screening brings normality to Auckland’s homeless community. Retrieved from http://www.noted.co.nz/currently/social-issues/a-film-screening-brings-normality-to-aucklands-homeless-community/ Picture 3. (2015). New study on rough sleeping a leap forward for homelessness groups. Retrieved from http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/newseventsculture/OurAuckland/mediareleases/Pages/newstudyonroughsleepingaleapforwardforhomeless.aspx