Trauma in the Library: Findings To-date about PTSD among Public Library Staff and Methods for Ensuring Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-informed care for library patrons is a growing movement, however, what about workplace trauma experienced by library staff? We share findings to-date regarding our IMLS-funded study “Trauma in the Library: Symptoms of PTSD Among Staff and Methods for Ensuring Trauma-Informed Care.” The project goals are: 1) to identify the types of post-traumatic symptoms experienced by library staff in diverse library settings where violence and other trauma has occurred; 2) to conduct a national online survey, interviews and fish bowls to ascertain the extent of workplace-related PTSD symptoms on staff and their awareness of existing resource help; 3) to identify trauma-informed care tools, policy and procedures that libraries can implement; and 4) create trauma-informed care for library staff curricula for teaching in MLIS programs. The outcomes include the first comprehensive baseline study of library workplace-related PTSD symptoms, tools for supporting library staff who experience those symptoms, and curricular materials for sharing across LIS schools and professional associations. Cognizant that some discussion may be triggering for participants, the speakers include a trauma specialist (Masters of Social Work) and participants will be provided with help resources.

Guest Speakers

Dr. Karen E. Fisher is the Primary Investigator of this IMLS project. A Professor in the Information School and an Adjunct Professor in the Communication Department at the University of Washington, she is also a Field Ethnographer with UNHCR Jordan, Adjunct Professor, Åbo Akademi University (Finland), and Visiting Professor, Siegen University, (Germany). With a MLIS and PhD from the University of Western Ontario and Post Doc from the University of Michigan, supporters of Karen’s work include the IMLS, Facebook, Google, NSF, the LEGO Foundation, Microsoft, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Dr. Fisher is renowned for her development and use of theory and methods for understanding information problems, specifically on how people experience information as part of everyday life, with emphasis on the interpersonal aspects and the role of informal social settings or “Information Grounds.” Karen was Co-PI of the "Access for All" study of how people use public access technology in public libraries across the U.S.

Lauren Alexa (i.e. Lexa) Gambrill has a Masters of Social Work with an emphasis in trauma, and is the Research Coordinator for this study at the University of Washington. She joined the iSchool after working and volunteering with other UW Labs and programs to broaden her research experience. Lexa is concurrently earning degrees in Clinical Psychology PhD and a Masters of Public Health. In undergrad she accomplished earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology (BS) and Bachelor’s of Social Work (BSW).