Content of Sessions
Note: All materials will be archived in the University of Missouri’s digital repository, MOSpace.
White Paper
This white paper presents the rationale, method, and results of a national forum that sought to introduce and/or reinforce library workers’ knowledge of and commitment to people in their communities who want to change their relationship with substances or who are affected by substance use disorder. Here, “substances” includes prescribed and non-prescribed drugs and alcohol. Public libraries have, for years, served as a community center or third space (Waters, 2023). In recent years, libraries have taken on a more prominent role in the wellness sector by hosting exercise classes and health screenings, serving as connectors to social services, and sometimes by employing social workers or peer navigators. While the health-related role is generally positively perceived, there are caveats regarding what libraries can do, how health-related services fit into the overall mission of the library, and how the presence of people with substance use disorder (SUD) affects the safety of the library space.
Toolkit
Under development. ETA: December 2026
Contributed Resources
- Cristy Moran (Colorado State Library): Libraries and the Opioid Epidemic: How Libraries are Uniquely Positioned to Help
- Brooke Doyle (WebJunction), Resources and links: Libraries and social connection