Sarah, I was following this conversation as we too have been approached by our local library for a social work student placement. The library would like the student complete a community needs assessment, coordinate training for staff around mental health, trauma-informed care, SUD, homelessness, etc, and create resource guides for patrons. As part of planning this experience, the library has asked us what the student's mandated reporting responsibilities would be and was somewhat worried that a student might need to make a report and violate a patron's confidentiality should they witness child abuse/neglect in the library. In our state, librarians are not mandated reporters and there is not a social worker on site at the library. How does your program handle that issue if it arises? Thank you for any information you can share!
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Leah Maxwell
Field Director
University of Maine
Orono ME
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Original Message:
Sent: Jun 20, 2022 08:44
From: Sarah Brown
Subject: Placements in Libraries
Hi Myka,
We have been placing students in our local library for 7 years now. I also just met with our state librarian last week to help her start a pilot program. Our state currently has 3 full time SW in local libraries. If you would like to chat more we can set up a time.
Thanks!
SARAH BROWN, LCSW
She / Her / Hers (Why do I mention this?)
Director of Field and Professional Education
School of Social Work
Zoom Link: https://monmouth.zoom.us/j/3616277591
Call 732-263-5375
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Original Message:
Sent: 6/17/2022 2:03:00 PM
From: Myke Selha
Subject: Placements in Libraries
In the last 3 months I have been approached by two different public libraries about placing social work students with them. I'd love to hear about others' experiences, successes and challenges, with placing students in libraries. I'm particularly interested if the library didn't already have a full time social worker on staff.
Thanks.
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Myke Selha
Field Education Director
Grand View University
Des Moines IA
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