Recent stats/data on how libraries prevent destitution/homelessness?

April 25, 2017 11:45 AM

I'm looking for *recent* data and statistics, preferably UK based but not necessarily, showing how libraries prevent destitution and homelessness, in any way - but in particular through aiding jobseeking and service-finding for folks without Internet at home. Narratives and anecdotes (published) also welcome.
posted by Mistress to Society & Culture (5 answers total)

Best answer: The Pew Research Center has a 2016 report on Libraries in the USA. Their 2015 report has a section on lower income people and people of color reporting that they use libraries more for job searching & training.
posted by carrioncomfort at 12:06 PM on April 25, 2017

I'd suggest contacting the Carnegie Trust, CILIP, Good Things and PL2020. All have done work on this issue but haven't published all their data publicly but may be willing to share. Edited to add: international guidelines with further contacts.
posted by wingless_angel at 1:28 PM on April 25, 2017

If you don't mind reading through stories and not always data, the American Library Association's Hunger Homelessness and Poverty Task Force has a fairly updated blog as well as a list of resources that are a little US-centric (and a little out of date for some of it) but probably the best US collection you are likely to find. In the UK sometimes the good googleable terms are "social inclusion/exclusion" Also seconding Pew and IFLA as good places to check.
posted by jessamyn at 4:26 PM on April 25, 2017

showing how libraries prevent destitution and homelessness,

I am currently homeless. I spend all my time in a library. It is how I do freelance work online. My income is slowly going up. Access to a library literally helps me keep eating with earned money instead of food stamps, soup kitchens and food closets.

I have been paying down debt. After my student loan is paid off, I hope to be able to get back into housing.

/anecdata
posted by Michele in California at 1:31 PM on April 26, 2017

Best answer: This UK report (PDF) reviews evidence on how libraries help with digital inclusion, health, skills etc.
posted by yesbut at 4:47 PM on April 26, 2017