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A review by lattelibrarian
The Librarian's Guide to Homelessness: An Empathy-Driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preventing Conflict, and Serving Everyone by Ryan J. Dowd
4.0
Yes, it is I, the Ryan Dowd fangirl. I'm a fan of him: our library uses his trainings and makes them mandatory for all staff. I watch all of the non-mandatory ones, too. His videos and insight constantly remind me to strive towards empathy, even when it's hard. He explains why people act the way they do, how to judge potentially disruptive or serious conversations and situations, and why his tools are effective at creating a calm environment even while you're saying "no". This book is the equivalent to all of his trainings.
It reads exactly how he speaks in his trainings, and much of what he says is pulled from the script or vice versa. And this is why: repetition matters. He explains his concepts and the science extremely well, but the change to being more empathetic can take a long time. Repeating himself only further enforces his lessons.
Within these chapters, he explains the roots of homelessness, common myths, and which populations and demographics tend to overlap more often than not. He also discusses the harsh reality of homelessness down to even what the best shelters can offer, how homelessness exhibits itself, and how important it is that libraries serve those without homes.
Overall, Dowd does a great job of dispelling fears surrounding homeless populations, giving legitimate and useful tools, and assuring empathy comes first.
It reads exactly how he speaks in his trainings, and much of what he says is pulled from the script or vice versa. And this is why: repetition matters. He explains his concepts and the science extremely well, but the change to being more empathetic can take a long time. Repeating himself only further enforces his lessons.
Within these chapters, he explains the roots of homelessness, common myths, and which populations and demographics tend to overlap more often than not. He also discusses the harsh reality of homelessness down to even what the best shelters can offer, how homelessness exhibits itself, and how important it is that libraries serve those without homes.
Overall, Dowd does a great job of dispelling fears surrounding homeless populations, giving legitimate and useful tools, and assuring empathy comes first.