Before I began volunteering at my local public library, I had an informational interview with the head librarian so I could ask her questions about her career. One of the first things she said to me—besides, “Don’t become a librarian just because you love books”—was that working as a librarian was often like being a social worker. “It’s a public place, which means that no matter who you are, you are free to come here,” I remember her saying.
I wholeheartedly believe that everyone should be welcome—and that libraries should meet patrons where they are, including those who may be unhoused or struggling with mental illness and need help with more than just finding information or a book to read. But, as mentioned in this article, librarians aren’t “always best equipped to help the people who show up.” (Hogsten, 2023)
That’s where social workers come in. I think it is such a smart idea to do more than just partner with local organizations, the way many public libraries already do, and instead hire someone full time with a background in social work who can create programs and be available to help patrons who need it, the same way librarians at the reference desk are available. (It makes me wonder, why did it take so long for this to become a reality?)
According to Nicole Campolucci, a licensed social worker at Salt Lake City Public Library, their work can include “a pair of socks, or helping someone obtain a new ID or bus voucher, or apply for food stamps. It could also be providing suicide intervention or crisis de-escalation.” (Hogsten, 2023)
As I started researching more on this topic, I found that in recent years, more libraries have been hiring social workers, including the Central Library in downtown Indianapolis. (Benson, 2022) I also came across an ALA blog post called “Social Workers and Librarians— A Case for Why We are BFFs” by Amy Schofield, Community Outreach Manager at Richland Library. In it, she writes, “When we honestly look at the types of questions we’re getting and what our patrons really need, it’s clear that social workers are our perfect counterparts.”
Patrons aren’t the only ones who are benefitting—librarians are, too. Adds Schofield, “Having social workers as an option is a huge relief to staff who often want to help but aren’t sure how. Social work skills have also found their way into staff trainings on extremely important issues such as dealing with patrons in crisis, handling situations where children and vulnerable adults are in danger, and even self-care, issues that every public librarian faces but are not covered in our library training.”
As a future information professional, I think it’s important to approach any future career path with eyes wide open, understanding that being a librarian will include helping vulnerable populations overcome everyday challenges. These articles have shown me that if I do pursue a career as a public librarian, it will be important to develop additional skills so I can be better equipped to help whoever comes through the doors.
References
American Library Association. (n.d.). Social workers in libraries: A powerful partnership. Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS). https://www.ala.org/advocacy/diversity/odlos-blog/social-workers
Benson, D. (2022, January 3). Why your local library might be hiring a social worker. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/01/03/1063985757/why-your-local-library-might-be-hiring-a-social-worker
Hogsten, L. (2023, June 20). Salt Lake City downtown library’s new social worker has already helped thousands. The Salt Lake Tribune. https://287.hyperlib.sjsu.edu/wp‑content/uploads/2024/10/Salt‑Lake‑City‑downtown‑librarys‑new‑social‑worker‑has‑already‑helped‑thousands.pdf
Hi Brooke, you’ve wrote about a really important topic here. I agree that it is very beneficial for libraries to partner with organizations who can offer services that are beyond what librarians are trained for. Bringing in social workers is amazing. My local library system works with a SAFE team (specialized assistance for everyone) which is a response team that can help in situations of mental health issues, substance abuse and homelessness. This team would be appropriate in a non-medical emergency situation. I’ve heard really good things about it, sounds like it would align with the services you talk about in your post. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Brooke,
At my library system in Southern Oregon we have a dedicated social worker who also oversees a number of “resource specialists” who help to connect patrons to available local resources and services. They are available more often and at more branches, and although they are not fully trained in handling some of the situations that a social worker would, they do a great job and it definitely helps to take some of pressure off the staff “who often want to help but aren’t sure how” like that quote you shared describes.
That’s so great your library system is doing this. I think it’s such important work and benefits everyone (patrons who need help, patrons just there for books, and librarian!)
@brookek So glad you explored this idea and your reflection regarding your own skills as a librarian is insightful. I think we will see this model in more and more PLs as time goes on.
@brookek I can see how partnering libraries with social work is beneficial for all parties involved. I tried to encourage a co-worker of mine to do this MLIS program with me. She had worked in a public library previously (we work at a community college in different departments and not in the library) and told me she did not want to deal with all the “problem” patrons. Her reply made me ask myself–will I be prepared to help these patrons? I am glad that there are staff trainings for social work skills and that more and more libraries are partnering with social workers to directly help their patrons in need. Did you watch the YouTube video in Module 8 titled “ILOC 2023”? It is kind of long, but it is about how the Des Moines Public Library conceived and implements a library-social work project called The Outreach Project. @natalie
I agree the staff trainings are so important, especially if there aren’t resources for a dedicated social worker. I ended up reading about The Outreach Project! (I am one of those people who learns better by reading, not watching/listening :))