Welcome to the Social Work Interest Group
Social work is emerging as a function of many public libraries. As American societal safety nets have fallen away, public libraries have added another role to their already vital work, that of de facto social service centers. Whether by providing referrals to persons experiencing homelessness, managing mental health crises, advising on substance use issues, working with the formerly incarcerated, or through some other service, libraries are helping many persons experiencing difficulties. While some libraries can hire social workers to manage this influx, at others, librarians are filling the gap and providing social work services. The Public Library Association (PLA) recognizes the hiring of social work professionals in public libraries as an emerging trend. PLA also sees the growing need to share related resources to better inform and support the public library field, who are often providing social services without the benefit of a social worker on staff. In this space we hope to help answer your questions, have important conversations, and provide resources that can help your library provide the best service to patrons.
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Kathleen Hughes
Manager of Publications/Editor "Public Libraries"
American Library Association
Public Library Association
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