Inclusive Library Service to Individuals with Mental Illnesses and Disorders

Abstract

What does it mean to have a mental illness? According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, it is a condition affecting a person’s mood, emotions, or thinking and can interfere with a person’s ability to relate to others and function in their daily life. Mental illness of any kind affects approximately 18% of the United States adult population—around 45 million people, as of 2016. Why does this matter to librarians and other information professionals? Librarians are likely to unknowingly encounter someone with mental illness, as one cannot simply look for violent or disruptive behavior in every case. This article briefly examines the literature to highlight what is being done in both public and academic libraries to meet the information needs of individuals with mental illness or any type of mental health issue. It suggests ways to improve service to and advocate for the information needs of these invisibly disabled patrons.