Information Support for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: Public Librarianship's Role |
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| Authors: | Lynn Westbrook |
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| Institution: | University of Texas at Austin , Austin, Texas, USA |
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| Abstract: | Public libraries have the potential to provide rich information support for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Librarians who understand the complex information gaps and barriers that IPV survivors confront during repeated attempts to achieve safety can create more effective services and policies. This study examines an IPV online support network's postings during ten months. The content analysis of the postings correlates survivors' expressed information needs, barriers, and resource preferences during the three basic stages of crisis. As funding for crisis centers disappears and IPV survivor needs increase, librarians can help to save lives by adjusting services to enhance privacy, safety, and confidentiality. |
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| Keywords: | intimate partner violence domestic violence information seeking information needs people in crisis everyday life information seeking (ELIS) public libraries |
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