Category: Ask WPL

The following request came in through our Ask WPL hotline: I am trying to find information about MLIS programs that either offer courses that prepare students for urban librarianship (especially re: issues that impact people experiencing homelessness) and/or programs that offer a joint MLIS/MSW option. I have found very little so far and I wondering… Continue reading Ask WPL: Urban and Joint MLIS/MSW Programs

Tania says: I wanted to ask if you have any advice for finding library practicums that embrace WPL. I am a library student with previous experience as a case manager at a not-for-profit mental health organization. I am having difficulty finding library practicums combine librarianship and social work. The thing about library-social work collaboration is that… Continue reading Ask WPL: How can I find a library practicum that incorporates social work?

Heather asks: My questions/comments are about the balance between a patron's expectation of privacy vs. making them aware of available services. We have social work interns at my library a few days a week, for a few hours at a time. They have made connections with some of our regular patrons, either because library staff told… Continue reading Ask WPL: Social Work Interns and Patron Privacy

by Mary Nienow Libraries are great places to host a social work intern. Because these are public spaces, librarians are faced with many of the challenges that come from being a place where people with numerous complexities in their lives come to for safety, warmth, connection, and information. Social workers use libraries to hold support… Continue reading My library wants a social work intern! How do I make that happen?