Body Odor in Your Library

A five-step strategy

​By:  Ryan Dowd

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Step 1:  Decide which type of conversation you are going to have: 
 
  • The “Odor Suggestion” is when you suggest that a person should bathe.  It is a helpful reminder to someone who may not be aware of the offense they are causing. 
 
  • The “Odor Eviction” is when you tell a person that s/he must leave now and may not return until after a shower.  It is non-negotiable.
Step 2:  Get your mindset correct:

  • Don’t act uncomfortable.  Your discomfort will only make the other person more uncomfortable (uncomfortable people are unpredictable people).  Just be very “matter of fact” about it, like you are telling someone when their books are due.  Be aware of emotional contagion.
 
Step 3:  Get your body language (and positioning) correct:

  • Move it somewhere less public.  Whenever possible, do not talk to someone about their odor in front of others.  Embarrassed people are unpredictable people.
 
  • Make sure your body language is friendly.  Homeless individuals pay more attention to body language than you do.
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Step 4:  Initiate the conversation respectfully to get the person's “emotional inertia” going in the right direction):

  • Smile:  Approach with a smile.  A smile sends the message that you want to work "with" the person instead of working "against" him/her.  This tiny act makes it more likely that the patron will work with you.
 
  • Respect:  Start with respect.  Continue with respect.  End with respect.  There is never a situation where disrespect is helpful.  Let me say that again:  There is NEVER NEVER NEVER a situation where disrespect is helpful (NEVER!).
Step 5:  Use the right words:

  • Be VERY clear about what you are asking the person to do.  Do not hint.  Do not be ambiguous.  Do not use metaphors.  Do not assume the person knows what you are asking him to do unless you clearly spell it out.  Do not tell a person to leave until he “doesn’t smell” (he probably doesn’t think he smells now).  I recommend that you specifically ask the person not to return until after he takes a shower and washes his clothes (never forget the clothes; they are often the real problem).  If the problem is halitosis, be specific about brushing teeth.
 
  • Be pleasant, but be firm.  Someone who has really bad body odor most likely has a very strong aversion to bathing (probably because of mental illness).  If you agree to allowing the person to stay for today if he bathes tomorrow, you are likely to be having the same conversation again tomorrow.
Specific phrases that work for an odor suggestion:
 
  • “Hey, I just wanted to let you know that your clothing has an odor.  If you could make sure you wash up before next time you come back, I would appreciate it.  Thank you”
 
  • “Hey, you probably didn’t know, but you have a little bit of an odor.  You might want to make sure you bathe and wash your clothing before tomorrow.  Thank you.”
 
  • “Hey, I’ve had times where I didn’t get a chance to take a shower before heading out.  If you could make sure you shower before you come back, I would appreciate that.  Thank you.”
 
Specific phrases that work for an odor eviction:
 
  • “Hey, unfortunately your clothing does have a bit of an odor today.  I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to ask you head out for today.  We are going to need you to bathe and wash your clothing before you come back.  I’m really sorry.  Thank you for your help.”
 
  • “I’m sorry, but unfortunately you do have a bit of an odor today.  Unfortunately, our rules are pretty strict on this.  I’m going to have to ask you to ‘call it a day’ for the library.  We would love to have you back when you get a chance to take a shower and wash your clothes.  I’m really sorry.  Thank you.”
 
  • “I’m really sorry, but your clothing doesn’t smell too good today.  Unfortunately, I am going to have to ask you to step out of the library for today.  Come on back just as soon as you are able to get a shower and wash your clothes.  I’m really sorry about the inconvenience.  Thank you.”
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​Other advice:

  • Get shelter help.  If you know where the stays at, call the shelter and ask for help.  They may be able to coax the person into bathing (or make special accommodations).
​Policy advice for management:

  • Be consistent about body odors of all types.  If a non-homeless woman has an overpowering amount of perfume, she should be treated the same.  If a businessman decides to use the library after hitting the gym, he should be treated the same.  Homeless individuals are very observant about which rules apply only to them.  Disparate treatment creates resentment and resentment creates problems (for you). 
 
  • Avoid the “most sensitive nose” rule.  Do not allow an odor autocrat to set the standard.  Some people—patrons or staff—feel entitled to an odorless environment, which is just unrealistic.  There is a certain amount of odor that we can expect whenever we go out into public.  Some people use odor as an excuse to vent their prejudices.  Don’t let someone’s hypersensitivity or bias rule the day if the smell really isn’t that bad.
​Thank you for your service to the community!

Peace,

​Ryan Dowd

​Homeless shelter Executive Director and author of The Librarian's Guide to Homelessness (from the ALA)
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