The homeless and information needs and services

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Julia A Hersberger, Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: The term "homeless" is problematic when we discuss information user groups. First of all, the homeless are not a homogeneous population. Homeless veterans, for example, might have very different information needs and service needs than homeless families. Providing information services that are most useful and thus most used, becomes a simpler task when target audiences are more defined and more specific. Different homeless groups have different information needs, but all users' information needs must be assessed individually. Second, there is a perceptual issue of "deserving" versus "undeserving" individuals of existing and often limited services that underpins all discussions on homelessness. This perception often translates into library attitudes of "worthy" versus "unworthy" users, particularly in a public library setting.

Additional Information

Publication
Reference and User Services Quarterly, 44 (3), 199-202
Language: English
Date: 2005
Keywords
homeless, information needs, library

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