Libraries serve everyone in their community. For instance, in academic libraries, this means primary students, faculty, and staff, though the general public may be included for specific services or collections. For public libraries, this means everyone residing within their defined area, as required by law. “Service” does not mean unlimited service. Library workers should be confident in understanding their personal and professional boundaries while providing high-quality services. This section will describe ethical and personal boundaries for librarians to explore and discuss when creating policies.
Ethical boundaries
Librarians frequently say, “I am not a doctor (or a lawyer…) but I can refer you to resources.” These define ethical boundaries of the profession by reminding us and our patrons that we cannot help with everything – it’s not that ‘it’s not our job’ – it’s that librarians are not best people to help with everything. We are the best (or should be working towards being the best) figuring out who the best person is to help them!
That is all well and good to know in our heads, but when a desperate person is in the library, what are we to do?
Personal boundaries
Be aware of your safety, call for backup, and ask for help when you feel uncomfortable. Remember that it is not your job to save the world, but to find the resources or make referrals to people who can help.
Wulfsburg (2025) writes “I like to think of boundaries as:
- Things that are intended to keep me physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe
- Ways to help me stay organized in my daily responsibilities and financial choices
- The line between where I psychologically end and you begin.”
References:
Wulfsburg, K. (2025, Jan. 10). What are boundaries? A professional counselor explains. Colorado State University Office of Engagement and Extension. https://engagement.source.colostate.edu/what-are-boundaries-a-professional-counselor-explains/
Suggested Reading:
Crabtree, Lauren, Don Latham, M. Gross, Brittany Baum, and Karen Randolph. “Social workers in the stacks: Public librarians’ perceptions and experiences.” Public Library Quarterly 43, no. 1 (2024): 109-134.
Urban Libraries Unite. Urban Library Trauma Study. https://urbanlibrariansunite.org/ults/
Williams, Rachel D. “Vulnerability, boundary management, and providing information services to people experiencing homelessness.” Public Library Quarterly 41, no. 5 (2022): 421-438.