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3smallsalsmum's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Addiction, and Classism
acarmola's review against another edition
5.0
Fellow librarians, this is a must-read, even if homelessness is not an issue at your library. Excellent info for conflict resolution and communication. Also good for non-librarians. Basically, everyone read this book! 😁
dealingwithdragons's review against another edition
emotional
informative
fast-paced
5.0
Most, if not all, of the de-escalation tactics in this book are invaluable for conversations with ALL patrons, including those not experiencing homelessness. Super useful stuff and written from a human-centered lense.
namaenani's review against another edition
4.0
Good insights and helpful suggestions. I do wish more of the strategies were named something that more clearly reflected what they were. When previously explained strategies were mentioned in later chapters, I had a very hard time remembering what they meant.
in2reading's review against another edition
5.0
Practical and empathetic. It would be helpful for all librarians and anyone who ever walks through a city to read this book. Highly recommended.
wknapp78's review against another edition
5.0
A really great look at what library staff do everyday, but from the perspective of another professional. With lots of practical advice and words of wisdom, Dowd also infuses humor and just enough emotion to make you feel better for having read the book.
queenstheif's review against another edition
4.0
His approach complements how my brain works, so I found this book very helpful. I liked how one piece of advice built on another until he started describing certain situations library staff may find themselves in and ideas for working through them. I feel like he does understand libraries' main concerns despite not working at one himself. I still have many followup questions.
twinklybugs's review against another edition
4.0
What an excellent, useful, enjoyable read this was. While some might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of tactics Dowd outlines (there must be over 100), in reality he’s just giving hints on empathy in practice to anyone who happens to need the practice :) And really, in 2018, when we’re all suffering adrenal and emotional fatigue, who doesn’t?
Covering everything from tools to better serve people in crisis, to an overview of their needs, to ways to support staff in feeling safe and comfortable, this book is indispensable to any librarian.
Covering everything from tools to better serve people in crisis, to an overview of their needs, to ways to support staff in feeling safe and comfortable, this book is indispensable to any librarian.