Social Work Interest Group

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This community is for anyone interested in learning more about social work in public libraries. The PLA Social Worker Task Force will use this space to discuss issues facing public libraries, provide a space to connect with others, generate and share best practices and resources.
  • 1.  Question.

    Posted Aug 16, 2021 02:31 PM
    Hello everyone!
     
    I am one of the Community Resources Coordinators at Mid-Continent Public Library, the county library system for the Kansas City metropolitan area. This is a relatively new position at MCPL, so we are wanting to check in with some other library social work programs on their practices as we work to expand our services. 
    If any of you have some time, it would be wonderful if you could answer any of these questions!
    1. Do you keep records of your interactions with patrons? If so, what information do you track about each interaction (ex. demographics, referrals source, service offered)? How do you store your records?
    1. What have you determined to be the best way to connect patrons to resources? Do you give out printed resource guides, list resources on your library website, and/or meet with patrons in person? If you do meet with patrons in person, do you engage in any case management or follow up after your initial meeting?
    1. How many patrons do you typically help in a week, month, or year (however often you track that information)?
    1. What portion of your week do you spend with patrons? Do you participate in any non-social work library duties - for example, do you help staff the front desk at a branch?
    Thank you so much in advance for your help! Any responses to these questions are greatly appreciated. Feel free to respond with any questions or comments for us too!

    Ricardo Flores
    Community Resources Coordinator
    Mid-Continent Public Library, Grandview Branch


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    Ricardo Flores
    Mid-Continent Public Library
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