Social Work in Public Libraries - American Library Association · Social Work in Public Libraries...
Transcript of Social Work in Public Libraries - American Library Association · Social Work in Public Libraries...
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Social Work in Public Libraries
Meaghan O’Connor
Assistant Director,
Programs & Partnerships
District of Columbia Public Library
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“The average income of the top five percent
is more than $530,000 ….
Meanwhile, the average income of the
bottom fifth of D.C. households is just
$9,900.”
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DC is experiencing
a housing crisis
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Hypothermia
Season
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840
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897
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72,000
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LIBRARIES ARE ABOUT
BOOKS, RIGHT?
What does this have to do with libraries?
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free, quiet, warm/cool,
safe(ish) space open to all
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They didn’t teach this
at library school…
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“I’ve been looking for these
people.”
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“I’ve never seen these
people.”
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Librarians are not
social workers
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EMBEDDED SOCIAL WORKERS IN
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
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What is the role of social work
in a public library?
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Ask questions & listen
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Staff survey
August 2014
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95% report interacting with persons
using the library primarily as
shelter
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85% report interacting with persons
who may be experiencing crisis
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95% feel training would be beneficial
in doing their job
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“I know the daily stress of
customer service has not always
been on par with my ideals… I
should be able to name the
nearest shelter and know where
it is at the least.”
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“Many patrons with mental health
issues spend a great deal of time
talking to themselves, which
irritates other patrons who are
hoping for some quiet time.
Some of these situations
escalate into verbal or physical
altercations.”
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Patron survey
January 2015
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52% visit the library
daily
33% visit the 3-5
times / week
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Top Three Reasons for Visiting
1. Access to reading materials (55%)
2. Safe, quiet, comfortable place (48%)
3. Access to computers (45%)
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Top Three Library Services
1. Books (67%)
2. Internet & computers (55%)
3. Magazines (33%)
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84% report positive or
somewhat positive
experiences with
library staff
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Staff training
Homelessness 101
Mental Health First Aid
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Homelessness Task Force
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Partnership
Pathways to Housing
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Connecting to the
District Network
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Librarians are not social workers
Social workers are not librarians
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Credits & Citations
• MLK with balloons, Meaghan O’Connor
• DC Income Disparity http://dcinno.streetwise.co/2014/03/16/study-dc-ranks-fourth-
highest-in-income-disparity-among-the-50-largest-us-cities/
• Martin Luther King Library, Flickr User Alex Barth
• Statistics on family homelessness
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2015/03/12/family-
homelessness-crisis-is-worse-than-d-c-officials-feared/
• Sherman Ave NW Rowhouses https://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_t_in_dc/5578574444
• Lego Librarian https://www.flickr.com/photos/julochka