The Library as Safe Space

Purpose: This chapter will explain how libraries define safe space through policies, procedures, and professional codes of ethics. The chapter will generate a history of the concept of libraries as safe space, will explain how libraries attempt to create safe spaces in physical and online environments, and will show how library practices both help and harm patrons in need of safe space. Design/methodology/approach: This chapter provides a review of the literature that illustrates how libraries provide safe space—or not—for their patrons. The author will deconstruct the ALA Code of Ethics and Bill of Rights to demonstrate how libraries remain heteronormative institutions that do not recognize the existence of diverse patrons or employees, and how this phenomenon manifests in libraries. Findings: Libraries, either through their physical construction or through policies and procedures, have become spaces for illegal activities and discrimination. Populations who would be most likely to use libraries often report barriers to access. Practical Implications: Libraries should revisit their policies and procedures, as well as assess their physical and online spaces, to determine whether or not they truly provide safe space for their patrons. While libraries can become safer spaces, they should clearly communicate what types of safety they actually provide. Originality/value: This chapter offers a critique of libraries as safe spaces, which will challenge popular opinions of libraries, and compel the profession to improve

Top 10 Endangered Artifacts Projects

2013 Online Exchange Program WebinarInstitute of Museum and Library Service

Grant Opportunities from the Institute of Museum and Library Services

2013 Online Exchange Program WebinarInstitute of Museum and Library Service

Protecting the Past - RI

Salt Lake City, UT 2012 Exchange Conference, Panel: Taking Disaster Planning to the Next LevelInstitute of Museum and Library Service

Disaster Planning Table Top Exercise Demonstration - Handout

Salt Lake City, UT 2012 Exchange Conference, Emergency Table Top ExerciseInstitute of Museum and Library Service

Hoosier Heritage Alliance

Salt Lake City, UT 2012 Exchange Conference, Boots on the Ground C2C Outreach ProjectsInstitute of Museum and Library Service

Boots on the Ground

Salt Lake City, UT 2012 Exchange Conference, Boots on the Ground C2C Outreach ProjectsInstitute of Museum and Library Service

Illinois Collections Preservation Network

Salt Lake City, UT 2012 Exchange Conference, Panel: Taking Disaster Planning to the Next LevelInstitute of Museum and Library Service

Iowa C2C Grant

Salt Lake City, UT 2012 Exchange Conference, Panel: Taking Disaster Planning to the Next LevelInstitute of Museum and Library Service

Connecting to Collections and Disaster Preparedness: Marylands Tri-Fold Approach

Salt Lake City, UT 2012 Exchange Conference, Tools You Can Use the SequelInstitute of Museum and Library Service