Determining the Need for Social Work Practice in a Public Library

Abstract

Little is known about social work practice via public libraries. Faced with patron needs, libraries seek creative ways to provide social services. One suburban library carried out community engagement using a community-university partnership. Students reviewed literature, surveyed 32 library patrons, and conducted interviews with five staff members. Patrons identified need for services related to children’s success in school as well as resources needed for health care, food resources, and employment services. They also identified concerns with homelessness, mental illness, and unemployment. Implications support the provision of social work practice at this library to address opportunities to maximize quality of life.