Tensions Associated with Responding to the Opioid Epidemic: Perspectives of Ohio Public Library Directors

Abstract

Public libraries support community health needs, including responding to the opioid epidemic with events, services, and information. However, we lack insight into why libraries respond to problematic opioid use in their communities, what tensions are associated with responding to community opioid use, and how their responses fit within the scope of public libraries. We conducted a multimethod study to solicit the perspectives of Ohio public library directors. They characterized responding to the opioid epidemic in their communities as aligning with both the mission and attributes of public libraries, while also facing tensions that emerged from balancing the demand for expansive social services with pressure to protect the sanctity of libraries.

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