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Amy MarsHennepin County Library/St. Catherine University
Hawaiian Library Association Conference 2014
Equity & AccessCommunity Partners
Targeted ServicesStarting a Public Dialogue
Public Libraries for Health Toolkit
Equity & AccessCommunity Partners
Targeted ServicesStarting a Public Dialogue
Public Libraries for Health Toolkit
What is the difference between equity and equality?
What does equity mean for libraries?
In order to maximize opportunities for access experienced by certain groups, a good society commits resources in order to level the playing field…if access policies concentrate solely on the objective of equality without reference to equity, their achievements will be flawed because those struggling to catch up will fall farther behind.“
”From “Equity & Access of Access: What’s the Difference?” prepared by Nancy Kranich for the American Library Association
Common BarriersLibrary card requirementsFines/Lost Material Charges
Transportation
Conduct Codes
Staff attitudes/awareness
No permanent address card
Fine reconcilitation
Volunteering
Program participation
Amnesty weeks
Payment plans
Fine waiver for circumstances like eviction, incarceration & bankruptcy
On-site programs & services
Bring the library into the community!Shelter Book Collections:
Materials: • Carefully selected
weeded materials in good condition
• New materials funded by Friends
Examples:• LGBTQ YA Books for
support group at Bridge for Youth
• Health picture books for family health program at People Serving People
Conduct Codes
Respect patrons’ constitutional rights
Target behaviors, not patrons
To promote a safe, welcoming environment for all:
Ask yourself, can I enforce this equally?Be aware of possible mental health issues
Mars, A. (2012). Library service to the homeless. Public Libraries, 51(2), 32-35.
Raising awareness & empathy
Raising awareness & empathy
Equity & AccessCommunity Partners
Targeted ServicesStarting a Public Dialogue
Public Libraries for Health Toolkit
Working with community partners
Who?• Community nonprofits
& shelters• Governmental
agencies• School homeless
liaison• Local businesses Building mutually beneficial relationships
Challenges & opportunities
Equity & AccessCommunity Partners
Targeted ServicesStarting a Public Dialogue
Public Libraries for Health Toolkit
Connecting patrons to community resources
Equity & AccessCommunity Partners
Targeted ProgrammingStarting a Public Dialogue
Public Libraries for Health Toolkit
Raising Awareness
Equity & AccessCommunity Partners
Targeted ProgrammingStarting a Public Dialogue
Public Libraries for Health Toolkit
Public Libraries for Health:www.publiclibrariesforhealth.org/
