Librarians and Narcon

One of the most unfortunate aspects of living in modern times is the instant updated information that we have grown accustomed to. We understand the need to stay informed and up-to-date, the importance that being informed provides us and the necessity of knowing certain skills that come with being a human on this Earth.

Libraries are information hubs that are available to all members of the public; each one is ideal for studying, they have unfettered access to the public at large, are quiet places with many private nooks and corners, have small to no interaction with other people and often have an air conditioner or heater running during the summer and winter. It’s because of this that public libraries have turned into popular places for people to hide away and use drugs, resulting in the common occurrence of someone overdosing in these public spaces

It is for that reason that Librarians are being trained how to properly treat overdoses.

These places have long been viewed as safe spaces to guard children and the public in general, and librarians have been viewed as the gate keepers to this haven. This new Opioid epidemic has forced a responsibility into the hands of the librarians, making them to be a first responder in drug overdoses, having many become familiar with how to use naloxone, or Narcan, to help with overdoses.

The country’s Opioid epidemic has produced an increase in overdoses occurring in many public places such as alleys and restaurants, but the inherent attributes and attraction that public libraries initially have leave them open for this kind use.

This is not to say that what librarians are doing isn’t noble-far from that really. Rather there are a few positive aspects to this. For starters, there are now more people being trained on how to deal with overdoses, whether by direct action, such as administering Narcan, or by being able to notice and call the appropriate authorities when noticing an overdose.

Probably the best aspect of this is that more and more people are becoming aware of the dangers the Opioid crisis presents. Because of the high traffic of drug abuse that the library attracts, librarians are now becoming familiar with the idea of an Opioid overdose, and, in turn more people will become educated as well.

Although librarians and library workers are providing a positive service to the community at large, this new role that has been forced upon them is systematic at a larger, depressing aspect of this issue that has long since plagued the country.

The fact that public workers of a place known for its safety and solitude, who themselves are known to be helpful, are being dragged into the issue of Opioid addiction. It’s a sign that all is not well and that things need to change, but the good news of this all is that more people are now opening their eyes to the dangers of drug abuse.

Librarians have always had a sort of secondary and non-traditional service of care, often being there for job search help, and as a de facto homeless shelter. This new care service being thrusted upon them, as a first or emergency responder to a drug overdose, is a needed side effect of the country’s growing Opioid problem.