Advocacy, Training

Training Tips: ALA’s Hateful Conduct in Libraries: Supporting Library Workers and Patrons

We talk about this idea often, because it’s such an important part of working in any library/archive or other job doing customer service all day: It’s HARD!

People have this rosy, totally unrealistic, idea of what library work means. They assume people who visit us are lovely and charming, asking library staff polite and interesting questions all day.

And sure – that happens.

Sometimes.

At least as often though, patrons are challenging in all sorts of ways we do not always expect. And sometimes that goes beyond mere bad customer behavior, and becomes scary.

That can take a lot of different forms, but today we are looking at the American Library Association’s (ALA) new Hateful Conduct in Libraries policy. There is a lot of supporting documentation to go with this, and we encourage you to read through it to help implement this in your own libraries. (CMLE is here to help members to work on policies in your library!)

Here is some of the information they provide as a guide.

“What prompted the need for this document?

After the 2016 elections, there was a spike in reported hate crimes in American libraries. Consequently, questions about hate speech, the First Amendment, and patron behavior in the library are escalating. The American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom and Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services have prepared this resource to provide additional guidance for librarians struggling with issues of hate and intolerance.

This resource focuses on public libraries, academia, and schools. Although private institutions are not held to the legal requirements of the First Amendment, the principles of free expression and respect are encouraged. Unique aspects to consider for each setting are outlined in the “Special Considerations” section of the document.

“A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.”
— Article V, Library Bill of Rights

This statement from the Library Bill of Rights establishes equal access for all as a fundamental user right. However, it is important to recognize that historical inequities, microaggressions, power, and privilege (white privilege, gender privilege, able-bodied privilege, etc.) impact library spaces every day. This may play out as negative bias in policies, access, or direct interactions with people of color, immigrants, refugees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities. Creating an inclusive space requires ongoing education, discussions, and development for library staff and the communities served.

This guide can be used by libraries as they initiate conversations among staff members and within their communities. The guide is divided into three sections:

  1. Proactive Preparation (What strategic steps can I take to prepare in the event hateful conduct situations occur within the library?)
  2. Responding to an Incident (What do I do if hateful conduct is directed at me, a colleague, or a patron, and how do I follow-up?)
  3. Meeting Community Needs (How do I balance access to all viewpoints while also identifying and supporting historically marginalized perspectives?)

Each section begins with a list of questions received by the ALA related to hateful conduct and free speech, followed by statements to consider before, during, and after a hateful incident. Each section ends with suggestions on how to support library staff and patrons. This document should not be construed as legal advice but may provide insight as to when a library may need to seek legal advice or consult law enforcement. If legal advice or expert assistance is required, you or your library should seek the services of a competent legal professional. ”

 

The document goes on to talk about different areas you can look through as you work through these ideas:

Libraries are always supportive of free and open expression of ideas, and sharing of information – even when we personally disagree with it. But hate has no place in libraries. Work through some policy creation for your own library, to help ensure you are best able to provide great service to your community!