Each year, over 57 million Americans and one in five families are affected by a mental disorder. People with mental illness deserve to live a full life, participate in meaningful work and relationships and be connected to their community.
Unfortunately, the stigma society places on mental illness is pervasive and damaging. It often stands in the way of opportunities and can frequently lead to social isolation. In every American community, all people have the right to participate fully in the resources offered, including the resources afforded by our public libraries. Access to these services can help to alleviate the sense of hopelessness and isolation that frequently accompanies the disenfranchisement many people with mental illness experience. This website was designed for librarians and others in the information field to look at their own perceptions and misconceptions about the illness that interfere with the library services they provide to people with mental illness. |
 image source: www.freefoto.com |
MISSION STATEMENT
To educate librarians about mental illness and the stereotypes and stigma this population faces everyday.
To examine the current policies of the American Library Association (ALA) toward this population.
To recommend policies that ensure this population has access to a wide variety of library services adapted to their specific needs and is treated with dignity and respect when they access library services.
______________________________________________________________________________
Copyright 2008
Nancy Florio, Web Manager
Site last updated January 22, 2014
