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Keeping a Lookout is an investigation into innovative library outreach practices. How can we best support socially isolated members of our community, including people with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness or living in remote locations, and institutionalised or marginalised groups?

The research project is being conducted by a group of professionals from Victorian Public Libraries and the State Library of Victoria as part of the Shared Leadership Program.  

Project Sponsor - Jenny Mustey, Campaspe Regional Library.

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Why is this project important?

Research shows that social connectedness improves mental, physical and emotional wellbeing and brain health. People who feel connected to others have lower levels of anxiety and depression. However, social isolation is associated with diminished physical and psychological health and a higher likelihood of continued antisocial behaviour.

“Social isolation and loneliness are now widely accepted as risk factors for depression and anxiety. Conversely, social connectedness and good interpersonal relationships are considered protective factors that have a positive impact on mental (and general) health and well-being.” beyondblue

 

What is the significance for public libraries?

Social connection is an underpinning theme of the Victorian Public Libraries 2030 document, which proposes two future scenarios. In the Community Library scenario, the library is portrayed as a learning village, promoting dynamic and lifelong learning, and social connection. This includes “an increase in the number and fluency of activities and staff that focus on social inclusion”. This view is supported by The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) who recently published two documents:

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How do libraries further develop and

Guidelines for Library Services to People Experiencing Homelessness

 

These documents recognise the important roles that public libraries play in meeting the needs of communities. Public libraries empower people through providing information, services and programs to improve their lives and connect them to others in their communities. “All over the world, libraries combine a trusted, local institution with information access that is critical to driving … community development.”

 

Compassion and Understanding

Another dimension to our research is to inspire a holistic approach to meeting the needs of individuals in our community. We recognize that people are multi-dimensional and each person is an expert on his/her own life. The work of Sara Zettervel and Whole Person Librarianship has informed this aspect our work. 

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This approach sees library work in parallel with that of social workers. A number of public libraries in the USA now employ social workers to work alongside library staff. “Social workers provide a direct response to the needs of patrons experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity who seek shelter in urban libraries, often because they have no other safe, freely accessible place to go during the day. However, the benefits of collaborative work between librarians and social workers extend to all patrons. Libraries provide an ideal point of access for social-service providers to reach clients who may not know the full spectrum of services available to them.”

 

Our Keeping a Lookout website includes case studies, examples of innovative practice, analytical reports from our surveys, useful resources, recommendations for future directions and a place for you to share your story.