Librarians are aware that the legal and policy landscape of SUD programming is complex. Effective framing of conversations and communications is important. Following are the topics that were suggested by LACL participants:
- Examples of policies and procedures around Narcan
- Crisis policies & procedures
- Labor and Legal Standpoints in Harm Reduction Work for Library Policy Documents. Are harm reduction strategies ever an essential function of the job, or a core competency? Harm reduction itself is not a core competency or an essential function of librarianship; however, providing honest reference services, promoting social justice, upholding privacy and confidentiality, advocating for services and our communities, and furthering one’s knowledge as a librarian (e.g., professional ethics) are core competencies. Urban Libraries Council’s “Public Libraries: Essential Public and Mental Health Mandates” is a helpful resource.
- Metrics and frameworks for goals and evaluation
- Literature, statistics, and resources that show the research to show to the public and decision-makers
- Templates for letters to legislators
- Communicating with the community, boards, managers, and others who influence policies and procedures
- Examples of effective imagery and flyers to replicate (i.e., marketing templates)
- Partnering with other organizations (e.g., homeless or harm reduction commissions)
- Baby steps and examples of engagement (proof of concept)
- Serving as a clearinghouse for local resources. Rochester Public Library and Memphis’s LINC 2-1-1 program provide great examples for inspiration.