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