The following recommendations are made to
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:
Keep your collection of materials related to mental illness current and available in varied formats. This collection should include informational literature as well as the many self-help materials available.
Make home delivery available for people who are not able to come to the library due to instability.
Make sure your library webpage has links to sites with information about mental illness.
Develop community alliances with mental health agencies.
Provide mobile collections at in-patient institutions that treat mental illness.
Make community meeting space available for support and informational groups.
Develop a planning process for disability services that includes people with mental illness, their family members, and advocates.
Revisit your policies on services to patrons with mental illness and revise them to address their information needs. Pay special attention to wording and stereotyping when addressing "problem patron" policies.
Require staff attend training on services for people with mental illness.
Most importantly, don’t make assumptions about a person's mental status. This furthers the stigma society places on the illness and might influence your treatment of that individual. Remember, mental Illness is a medical condition that can only be determined by a medical professional.
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Keep your collection of materials related to mental illness current and available in varied formats. This collection should include informational literature as well as the many self-help materials available.
Make home delivery available for people who are not able to come to the library due to instability.
Make sure your library webpage has links to sites with information about mental illness.
Develop community alliances with mental health agencies.
Provide mobile collections at in-patient institutions that treat mental illness.
Make community meeting space available for support and informational groups.
Develop a planning process for disability services that includes people with mental illness, their family members, and advocates.
Revisit your policies on services to patrons with mental illness and revise them to address their information needs. Pay special attention to wording and stereotyping when addressing "problem patron" policies.
Require staff attend training on services for people with mental illness.
Most importantly, don’t make assumptions about a person's mental status. This furthers the stigma society places on the illness and might influence your treatment of that individual. Remember, mental Illness is a medical condition that can only be determined by a medical professional.
Previous return to How to use This Site Next
