Introduction

This section draws together examples of the work that different types of library and information service are currently providing, together with some ideas about what more could be developed. We are looking at library work as broadly as possible, including examples of provision by public libraries, information about which is also still available in the Libraries of Sanctuary Resource Pack (Vincent, 2021b).

There is a danger that this – as with any area of library and information work – is seen as too large, too new, too political or too complex. This section breaks down the key areas of work involved so that it is clear that most can be built on existing frameworks, especially with the involvement of new arrivals themselves, people from the wider community and from across your organisation and other partners.

City of Sanctuary have outlined the key components that are at the heart of this work, summarised as Learn, Embed and Share; we will use this as a framework for this next practical section of the book.

Learn

Learning about what it means to be a ‘new arrival’, seeking sanctuary, facing racism, etc.

Before starting work in this area, it is vital that library staff learn what it really means to be a ‘new arrival’ (and particularly a person seeking sanctuary) – in general (especially the political issues behind and meanings of the different terms used for new arrivals); in the context of overall health and mental wellbeing; and specifically in terms of information and support needs and how a library might help. This can involve:

• • Organising training and learning activities: for example, Birmingham and Newcastle public library services have organised short courses for their staff, looking at who new arrivals are; what we know about new arrivals in the local area; the response of libraries (and the cultural sector) in the past and currently; barriers to the take-up of services; and practical ways in which we can improve library provision (a possible course outline is included in Appendix 5). Other library services have organised training provided by their local City of Sanctuary (e.g. Greater Manchester) or local refugee organisations (e.g. Southampton).