On the front line: Libraries contribute to a sustainable future supporting people experiencing homelessness

On the front line: Libraries contribute to a sustainable future supporting people experiencing homelessness

Scientific literature regarding the relationship between climate, sustainability and poverty suggests that the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG1), End poverty in all its forms everywhere, need to be at the center of all other targets. This goal is directly and indirectly related to all other SDGs. Homelessness is an extreme form of poverty and a fact of life in all countries of the world, regardless of the level of development of their economic or governance systems. Libraries are an important part of the organization network that can empower people experiencing homelessness and provide them equal access to information, skills, and knowledge. Librarians who work with people who are homeless need extra education and support. Therefore, IFLA Section for Library Services to People with Special Needs is developing the Guidelines for Library Services to People who are Experiencing Homelessness. The Guidelines will help libraries plan and organize quality and adequate services for this vulnerable social group. An important step in developing the Guidelines is collecting examples of library services to people who are experiencing homelessness worldwide. In this paper, a few representative examples of best practices from around the world will be presented.