Strengthening Social Services: Graduate Pathway and Practicum in Public Libraries
About
The School of Information Science and the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky have received a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarianship grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This funding will support students who are pursuing a graduate pathway in Social Work-Informed Library Services (SWILS).
Public libraries are an essential social infrastructure, serving as vital, accessible spaces for marginalized and at-risk patrons (Klinenberg, 2018). They provide trust and support in times of crisis, as individuals increasingly face challenges like homelessness, unemployment, and mental health issues. However, libraries often lack the staff skills necessary to offer formal support services. This highlights the need for library science and social work programs to equip professionals with the skills to assist these vulnerable populations.
To address this gap, SIS and the College of Social Work collaborate to create a fellowship program for graduate students from both disciplines. This program will provide students with a special pathway and fieldwork experience in libraries. Given the significant social issues in the southeastern region, this interdisciplinary approach aims to prepare a skilled workforce to meet the community's needs effectively.
Project objectives are:
- 12 students will demonstrate measurable gains in applying social work-informed practices to library services.
- Six public libraries will implement improved protocols and practices for effectively assisting patrons experiencing crises and addressing social service needs.
- Library staff will acquire and apply specific competencies in engaging high-needs patrons using social work-informed approaches.
- The University will increase interdisciplinary learning participation rates and produce new research outputs that advance the field of library social work.
The project has three parts to achieve the objectives: 1) recruiting, admitting, and training a group of 12 graduates; 2) developing online modules on SWILS to pilot with the partnering libraries’ staff; and 3) hosting an international symposium for collaborative understanding about SWILS.