2020 Poster Sessions
Leading Forward with SOLAR Librarians:
Addressing Mental Health Needs After Natural Disasters

Intended Audience

Public Libraries, Community Engagement & Programming Departments, Library Leadership

Poster Summary and Objectives

In this poster presentation, we draw from our research of public library disaster preparedness and recovery focused on Hurricane Michael’s impact on the Florida Panhandle to present the innovative research collaboration Skills for Life Adjustment and Resilience (SOLAR) Librarians. This proposed study is led by faculty from the Florida State University’s (FSU) iSchool and the Center for Translational Behavioral Science, with the advice of the Panhandle Library Area Network (PLAN), the University of Texas (UT), and the State Library of Florida. We will detail this pilot study of the innovative adaptation of SOLAR, an evidence-informed, community-delivered therapy to reduce mental health symptoms and functional impairment following adverse events. This pilot is the first to include public librarians, personally affected and supporting others, as SOLAR coaches. Attendees will learn how SOLAR therapy has been effectively used to help communities heal from traumatic events. We will detail our 3-phase SOLAR project design: Phase 1.) train public librarians as SOLAR coaches; Phase 2.) deliver the intervention to Hurricane Michael affected librarians; and Phase 3.) analysis of data and dissemination of findings. We learned Florida Panhandle public librarians are contractually obligated responders who serve on the community's first line during a disaster. To date, the storm has led to over 100 deaths and at least $25 billion in damage. “Hurricane Michael not only caused physical damage…it has left scars on the hearts and minds of survivors” (WFSU, May 10, 2019). Public librarians in the Florida Panhandle demonstrated little or no emotional training to prepare for disaster recovery service following hurricane Michale and who continue to face the unique challenges of long-term community recovery. We will share and discuss our research purpose to generate new knowledge of how to support public librarians and their communities following a disaster. 

Presenter

• Curtis S. Tenney, MSLS, is a doctoral student with The School of Information at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida and a research assistant at the FSU Information Use Management and Policy Institute. His research passion is focused on the intersections of culture, community, and human information behavior. Curtis presented at FLA 2019:

  Tenney, C. S., Mardis, M. A., & Jones, F. R. (presented 2019, May). Hurricane Preparedness: Public Libraries Strengthen Community Resiliency. Lightning Round Presentation at 2019 Annual Conference, Florida Library Association, Orlando, FL. (State)

  Tenney, C. S., Mardis, M. A., & Jones, F. R. (presented 2019, May). Hurricane preparedness: Strengthening libraries' resiliency. Presentation at 2019 Annual Conference, Florida Library Association, Orlando, FL. (State)