University of Kentucky

The School of Information Science (SIS) at the University of Kentucky, in partnership with the College of Social Work,  will address the increasing demand for social services in public libraries.  The grant will develop and implement a specialized graduate certificate in social work-informed library services (open to students from library and information science or social work) which includes a practicum in one of six partnering public libraries and online training modules for current library staff. The project team will also host a symposium of library social work for professional practice experience and knowledge sharing. The project objectives are: 1) to provide students with a specialized curriculum and practical training in social work service in public libraries; 2) to develop online training modules to assist library staff for social work in public libraries; and 3) to organize a symposium focused on integrating social work practices within public libraries, aimed at fostering collaboration and professional development among librarians and social workers.