The position of the American Library Association (ALA) on services to patrons with mental illness is progressive and compassionate in its philosophy and recommendations. They acknowledge that there is a wide spectrum of mental disorders and touch on the debilitating effect of stereotypes and the stigma still attached to this illness. They are aware of the inaccurate portrayal of people with mental illness as violent and make recommendations when working with this population. The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies division of the ALA has published a tip sheet in their disability toolkit which addresses these very issues. One has to wonder then why is it that a preponderance of the information concerning library services for this population focuses on the "problem patron"? |
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