Trauma Informed Librarianship
Learning Objectives
- Mindful Navigation of Power Dynamics:
- Identify power imbalances between oneself and patrons within library interactions.
- Implement strategies to foster equitable participation and respect, mitigating the impact of power differentials.
- Empathic, Open, and Flexible Communication:
- Demonstrate empathy and openness in interactions with patrons, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Practice active listening techniques to enhance understanding and adapt communication styles to accommodate diverse needs and responses.
- Proactive Resistance to Re-traumatization:
- Apply principles of consent throughout the patron assistance process, respecting individual autonomy and boundaries.
- Provide appropriate content or trigger warnings to create a considerate and respectful environment, minimizing the risk of re-traumatization.
- Empowerment, Safety, and Trust:
- Recognize trauma and build trust with patrons through empathetic and non-judgmental interactions.
- Normalize emotional responses to trauma and validate patrons’ experiences, fostering a sense of safety and empowerment.
- Respect individual autonomy by acknowledging patrons as the authority on their own experiences and needs.
- Commitment to self and community care:
- Prioritize personal well-being by establishing and maintaining boundaries in interactions with patrons.
- Practice self-care techniques to manage emotional discussions and maintain emotional resilience.
- Develop partnerships outside the library in order to provide more holistic services to patrons as well as to prevent burnout among library staff
- Commitment to continual learning:
- Recognize that learning is a lifelong journey and commit to ongoing personal and professional development.
- Consistently pursue opportunities to enhance your comprehension of trauma, its impact, and effective methods for assisting trauma survivors. Additionally, broaden your expertise in critical librarianship, indigenous librarianship, and diverse disciplines such as critical race theory, queer studies, and feminist studies.
- Be open to new ideas, perspectives, and approaches, and be willing to adapt your practices in response to emerging evidence and changing needs.
In this section, we will delve into each principle of trauma-informed librarianship, offering a comprehensive examination of the theory behind each principle, its practical application in real-world settings, and actionable tips for implementing these principles to cultivate trauma-informed libraries. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical strategies, we aim to equip librarians with the knowledge and tools necessary to create environments that are not only sensitive to trauma but also actively supportive of healing and resilience. The principles of trauma-informed librarianship are deeply intertwined and overlapping, reflecting the holistic nature of trauma and the multifaceted approach required to address it effectively. Each principle informs and reinforces the others, creating a cohesive framework for supporting individuals affected by trauma within library settings. By understanding the underlying theories and translating them into actionable practices, librarians can play a pivotal role in fostering a trauma- informed library.
