| The issue of homeless persons as patrons of public libraries is not a new one, having generated much literature in the field of library science and information studies. Most of this work, however, deals with the social and legal implications of the presence of homeless people, and the policies that can arise when attempting to deal with the unique problems they bring. This thesis will attempt to ethically analyze policies for controlling offensive behaviours or states, specifically odours, that disproportionately affect homeless people. Concerns about welfare, responsibility, and social liberties and rights will be used to argue that the expulsion of homeless persons from public libraries because of smell or similar offensive, but not seriously harmful, behaviours or states is immoral. My conclusion will be that the harm these policies cause to homeless people, both to their welfare and to their rights, will outweigh the possible benefits to other patrons. |
