Library-Based Field Placements: Meeting the Diverse Needs of Patrons, Including Those Experiencing Homelessness

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ABSTRACT

People experiencing homelessness or other life crises often seek respite, information, and assistance in libraries. Librarians, like social workers, are helping professionals and have historically been advocates for and supporters of low-income groups. However, librarians may lack the knowledge, skills, and capacity to provide adequate support. As a result, social workers have become integral to innovative library initiatives serving low-income and homeless patrons. This field note presents three examples of how schools of social work partnered with public libraries to create student internships to support library patrons, including those experiencing homelessness. Each example provides an overview of how the partnership developed and the intern’s role and responsibilities. The note concludes with guidance for schools interested in establishing similar field placements.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Amanda Aykanian

Amanda Aykanian is a doctoral candidate at the University at Albany, Peggy Morton is a clinical associate professor at New York University, Kathi Trawver is a professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage, Lane Victorson is a clinical faculty field instructor at the University of Maryland, Sarah Preskitt is the Alaska Collection Librarian at the Z. J. Loussac Library in Anchorage, Alaska, and Kimberly Street is a faculty clinical instructor at the University of Maryland.