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Abstract: Making Third Spaces Safe Spaces - How Trauma-Informed Care Informs Librarianship
Libraries now recognize the potential for their patrons to have experienced trauma due to various social, economic, racial, and political factors. In 2020, the pandemic exacerbated the vulnerability of specific populations, including library patrons. As a result, the adoption of "Trauma-informed Care" (TIC) and the establishment of "third spaces" in libraries have become crucial. According to Ray Oldenburg, "third spaces" are neutral, informal places where individuals can connect with others and have a good time without the pressures of work or home. For many, the library serves as a safe, third place. However, what happens when the library, as a sanctuary and safe place, is disrupted? In 2023, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) experienced an active shooter situation, resulting in the loss of a faculty member's life and a 5-hour lockdown. The university's response to the situation received mixed reactions, with one notable absence: the voice of the university library system. I interviewed the Wilson Special Collections Library librarians at UNC-CH to understand their experiences during the lockdown and to gather their thoughts, opinions, and reactions to the active shooter situation. Despite being considered the "jewel" of the campus, the library staff felt overlooked in subsequent discussions. The results revealed that many of the librarians and library workers felt that the "safety" of the library had been disrupted; some expressed feeling forgotten, while others expressed anger and anxiety. In exploring ways to address these concerns, I also delved into the implementation of TIC procedures, leading to the development of a "library trauma" cycle model.