that's a hard situation, but I think you did the only thing you could have. If someone's making others not feel safe, then like it or not, they've got to go. Even with mental issues, I don't think it's the library's place to house them at the expense of everybody else if they can't behave.
That said, other than asking them to leave, maybe direct them to the a 152.47 section? Though, if someone's telling you you're going to die, they might not be receptive to even an earnest attempt to get them help themselves.
Likely, the best measure would be preventative, which would mean getting the library to start/join a campaign that would open up more treatment spaces and such for people who're unstable? I understand that gordie has been cutting stuff like he was trying to out do king ralph back home.
i agree with marc. it's tough though, but yeah, you have to consider the safety of everyone, or the majority of people. i think you did the best you could, talking to him calmly and trying to explain what you are expecting from him and giving him the choice to do that.
i wonder if maybe the library could make some sort of pamphlet or list of resources in the city for people with mental health issues or addictions? or like maybe list of safe places to go and hang out/shelters? maybe you already even have this...
i've actually been thinking a bit about this kind of thing too. like what do i do or what is my responsibility when i feel my personal safety is being threatened by someone who is obviously marginalized and dealing with mental health stuff. like is calling the cops or security or whatever ok when i feel like i am being threatened? i was in a situation like this recently and really struggled with what i should have done... we should talk about this sometime. xo.
Yeah, the library has a list of resources like that, which is good, but I think only some people would really find that useful, especially during the winter when space is so limited at the shelters. I would also be into talking about this sometime with you.
sucks that you had to deal with that situation. it's never easy, and the fact that you are questioning the best way to deal with situations where people might/should be removed from particular situations is really great. i think too often it's easy to just "follow policy" or whatever, and not think about it.
marc has made a good connection, that the cuts to social services are impacting people like this guy in the library. maybe the library isn't the best place for him, but, given the lack of resources, is it fair to kick him out? i think that's what makes activisty stuff so important, and certainly related.
it's often easiest when dealing with conflicts to do a "if you stop _________ (yelling at others/swearing/etc.), then you can stay in the library, if you don't stop, you will have to leave" kind of stuff (and then following thru on your statement), which it sounds like you did. making your statements as short, simple and clear as possible will help.
its too bad that the library doesn't have like small rooms where people can go read by themselves or something. i bet that guy would probably freak out less if he was able to read by himself instead of in an open environment with so many people around to distract him/set him off.
Actually we do have rooms like that, 6 of them at central that people can book on the same day. It's too bad there weren't more though, or they weren't made more obvious to people other than students and mormons, who are the primary users.
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That said, other than asking them to leave, maybe direct them to the a 152.47 section? Though, if someone's telling you you're going to die, they might not be receptive to even an earnest attempt to get them help themselves.
Likely, the best measure would be preventative, which would mean getting the library to start/join a campaign that would open up more treatment spaces and such for people who're unstable? I understand that gordie has been cutting stuff like he was trying to out do king ralph back home.
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i wonder if maybe the library could make some sort of pamphlet or list of resources in the city for people with mental health issues or addictions? or like maybe list of safe places to go and hang out/shelters? maybe you already even have this...
i've actually been thinking a bit about this kind of thing too. like what do i do or what is my responsibility when i feel my personal safety is being threatened by someone who is obviously marginalized and dealing with mental health stuff. like is calling the cops or security or whatever ok when i feel like i am being threatened? i was in a situation like this recently and really struggled with what i should have done... we should talk about this sometime. xo.
ps - the shower story = priceless.
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I would also be into talking about this sometime with you.
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sucks that you had to deal with that situation. it's never easy, and the fact that you are questioning the best way to deal with situations where people might/should be removed from particular situations is really great. i think too often it's easy to just "follow policy" or whatever, and not think about it.
marc has made a good connection, that the cuts to social services are impacting people like this guy in the library. maybe the library isn't the best place for him, but, given the lack of resources, is it fair to kick him out? i think that's what makes activisty stuff so important, and certainly related.
it's often easiest when dealing with conflicts to do a "if you stop _________ (yelling at others/swearing/etc.), then you can stay in the library, if you don't stop, you will have to leave" kind of stuff (and then following thru on your statement), which it sounds like you did. making your statements as short, simple and clear as possible will help.
i am totally excited to see you soon...
love,
/s
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