Efforts to Overcome Homelessness in the Pruitt Branch of the Nashville Public Library

Abstract

In this article, the author analyzes the services and resources made available to patrons who are experiencing homelessness within the surrounding area of the Nashville Public Library’s Pruitt Branch in south Nashville, Tennessee. Utilizing a framework composed of elements regarding information sources, organizational planning, and connections made with internal and external organizations, the author researched the services offered to patrons experiencing homelessness to determine any areas for improvement via the Nashville Public Library’s main website. Then, a strategic action plan composed of four steps was developed for how this branch can improve its future services for the population of patrons who are experiencing poverty and/or homelessness. These four steps are to: 1) Collect patron feedback regarding what services the library is currently offering and what future changes they would like to be made. 2) Make information about the library’s diversity committee more publicly accessible. 3) Prioritize meeting objectives directly related to the subject of homelessness. 4) Create more programming focused on helping patrons who are experiencing homelessness.