F08: How community librarians and advocates can work together to better help those living in poverty
Session Description
The issues that those living in poverty face remain fairly consistent. What is changing significantly is the way the public is required to access services and resources. Whether it is applying for welfare benefits, fighting an eviction notice, enforcing their rights on the job, or appealing a decision they disagree with, there is less opportunity to deal with these issues face to face with someone who can assist them with the process, and instead people are having to do this online by themselves. This requires having access to computer equipment (often including a scanner and printer), the ability to navigate the site and use the technology, and the knowledge specific to the legal issue at hand. This can be extremely difficult for someone living in poverty and is often a barrier to accessing service and resources.
Today, libraries have a critical role to play in assisting advocates and those living with poverty. They offer safe space, access to computers and the internet and expertise in assisting those seeking information. It is time for advocates and library staff to connect and explore further how we can work together.
Speakers
Nicky Dunlop, PovNet
Biography
Nicky Dunlop is the Executive Co-ordinator of PovNet, a non-profit organization based in Vancouver, British Columbia. PovNet in an online community that supports and builds the capacity of front line workers through centralized resources and referral mechanisms, providing training on a variety of poverty law topics, and developing communication systems for community workers to collaborate and network. Nicky has a strong commitment to social justice work and believes that collaboration among organizations is an effective way of enhancing each other’s strengths to better meet the needs of those struggling to overcome barriers, including poverty.
Megan Smiley, Courthouse Libraries BC
Biography
Megan Smiley is the LawMatters Program Coordinator at Courthouse Libraries BC. She works with public libraries to enhance access to legal information in communities throughout British Columbia. Through LawMatters, she manages grants, offers collection support, and provides training on legal reference for public library staff.
Megan Vis-Dunbar, Courthouse Libraries BC
Biography
Megan Vis-Dunbar is one of the Courthouse Libraries’ Liaison Lawyers. She provides training for members of the legal community on the use of our information resources including our online collections. Megan holds a BCL and LL.B. from McGill University. In addition to working as a Liaison Lawyer with the Library, Megan operates her own law practice.