Navigating Difficult Situations in Public Libraries: The Pla Guide to Trauma-Informed De-Escalation
Navigating Difficult Situations in Public Libraries: The Pla Guide to Trauma-Informed De-Escalation
Navigating Difficult Situations in Public Libraries: The Pla Guide to Trauma-Informed De-Escalation
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Description
Description
Because libraries are community spaces that provide access to information, resources, and programming for people of all ages and backgrounds, conflicts between patrons, verbal or physical altercations, and other difficult situations can occur. These situations can be traumatic for those involved, whether patrons or staff, making it essential that librarians know how to de-escalate them in trauma-informed ways. Utilizing the framework from PLA's best-seller A Trauma-Informed Framework for Supporting Patrons, this workbook walks readers through building micro-skills for handling difficult situations, providing
- a succinct overview of how to define and understand trauma, including its definition, causes, effects, and manifestations;
- evidence-informed approaches drawn from the fields of social work, psychology, and counseling;
- dozens of activities, handouts, and worksheets designed to spur reflection and help readers build upon the practices introduced in the book;
- guidance on debriefing, evaluation, facing compassion fatigue, and other aftercare topics; and
- appendices that provide information on mental health resources, crisis intervention hotlines, and further reading on trauma and burnout.
About the Author
About the Author
Dr. Margaret Ann Paauw is an Assistant Professor at Eastern Michigan University and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Dr. Paauw has been practicing social work since 2012, working mainly with people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity and serious mental illness. Dr. Paauw worked as a library social worker for the Chicago Public Library, was an active member of the Public Library Association's Library Social Work Taskforce, facilitated the library social work direct service call, and co-authored A Trauma Informed Framework for Supporting Patrons. Dr. Paauw has consulted on library social work partnerships and provided trauma-informed and de-escalation trainings to libraries across the country. Dr. Paauw's main area of research has been on the efficacy of library social work partnerships, building the body of research contributing to evidence for this practice.
Critical Reviews
Critical Reviews
"In the book's introduction, Paauw cites a recent PLA survey indicating that librarians across the country overwhelmingly feel that incidents requiring de-escalation are on the rise and, furthermore, that they lack the resources and knowledge to adequately respond to these challenges. Paauw's timely book addresses these concerns with practical approaches and nuanced discussions of the causes, effects, and manifestations of trauma and mental health ... Sensitively presented and highly recommended."
-- Library Journal (starred review)
Publishing Information
Publishing Information
Publisher:
ALA Editions
Pub date:
2025-06-12
Length:
152 pages
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