Social Work Interest Group

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last person joined: 8 days ago 

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.  Social workers, libraries and rural areas

    Posted Jun 27, 2019 03:10 PM

    Hi everyone,


    I'm teaching a library school class this summer called "The Role of Libraries in Addressing Homelessness and Poverty" and I was wondering if any of you work in or are connected to rural libraries? Most of the information I'm using is related to urban libraries, so I'm trying to find out what work in being done in more rural areas.

    I appreciate any thoughts or suggestions you might have - best, Julie Winkelstein


    Julie Ann Winkelstein, PhD, MLIS
    Librarian, writer, teacher, advocate
    Co-editor, SRRT newsletter


    My pronouns are she, her, hers


  • 2.  RE: Social workers, libraries and rural areas

    Posted Jun 27, 2019 04:47 PM
    Hi Julie, I'm going to recommend two social workers to connect with. I know Patrick is in this group so he may also respond. 

    Patrick Lloyd
    Georgetown, TX

    Tiffany Russell,
    Niles, Michigan


    --
    Elissa Hardy, LCSW
    Community Resource Manager
    Denver Public Library
    10 W. 14th Avenue Parkway
    Denver, Colorado 80204-2731
    720.865.3443
    she, her, hers
     

    "The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned." ~Maya Angelou




    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Social workers, libraries and rural areas

    Posted Jun 28, 2019 10:38 AM

    Thanks, Elissa! Julie


    Julie Ann Winkelstein, PhD, MLIS
    Librarian, writer, teacher, advocate
    Co-editor, SRRT newsletter


    My pronouns are she, her, hers



    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Social workers, libraries and rural areas

    Posted Jun 30, 2019 09:44 AM
    I second reaching out to Tiffany. She was at ALA and seemed very interested in being more involved, and I know the work she's doing is a great model of rural collaboration. She can tell you more, I won't claim to speak for anyone else, but I would also just note that at the time I talked to the Michigan folks, they were clear that homelessness wasn't their first priority for a social worker, although I'm sure she works with patrons who have that experience.

    --
    Sara Zettervall, MLIS
    Consultant and Trainer
    Whole Person Librarianship
    p:612-293-9122
    w:www.wholepersonlibrarianship.com  e: sara@wholepersonlibrarianship.com
      



    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Social workers, libraries and rural areas

    Posted Jun 30, 2019 10:22 AM
    Perhaps the folks at Carbondale Public Library in Illinois.  They've worked with MSW students at Southern Illinois University for several years.

    Or two county library districts (Pikes Peak and Jefferson County) in Colorado includes rural areas: https://www.krcc.org/post/beyond-books-library-social-workers-build-trust-share-resources



    ------------------------------
    Sarah Johnson, MLIS, LMSW
    ------------------------------

    Original Message