Between summer and fall, ACLA Community Support Services has welcomed its largest cohort ever to the Social Work in Libraries Fellowship, with 20 social work students and 1 student specializing in both library science and social work! This summer, fellows engaged in research and planning toward long-term education and food security projects, organized a highly successful recovery event, forged new community partnerships, and of course, continued to provide the caring, personal assistance our patrons have come to know and love. Throughout the year, we’ll introduce you to each of the talented and innovative students who are making a meaningful impact in our communities, one helping hand at a time.
–Katrina Mink, BSW/MSW, Social Work in Libraries Program Coordinator
Matthew Loughran, Andrew Carnegie Free Library
What was your educational and work background prior to your placement?
I graduated from John Carroll University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science and Peace, Justice, and Human Rights. For the past three years, I have worked at Signature Health in Cleveland, OH, where I have been deeply involved in community-based case management. My role focused on working directly with clients to connect them to essential resources and manage their healthcare appointments. Additionally, I facilitated group therapy sessions, providing a supportive environment for clients to manage their mental health symptoms effectively. Through these experiences, I have developed strong skills in client engagement and person centered care.
What unique outside experiences, personal background or special skills do you feel have prepared you for this placement?
My diverse experiences working directly with clients in community-based settings have uniquely prepared me for this placement. During college, I interned at Catholic Charities’ Migration and Refugee Services, where I assisted refugees from the moment they settled in our city, helping them connect to essential services such as housing, employment, and healthcare. Following this, at Signature Health, I further developed strong skills in person-centered care, facilitating group therapy sessions, and connecting clients to vital resources. Additionally, my involvement with John Carroll University’s Best Buddies program and as a Student Liaison for the Center for Service and Social Action allowed me to build meaningful relationships with individuals with developmental disabilities and coordinate community service projects. These roles honed my abilities in empathy, communication, and leadership. I am also eager to learn and passionate about helping people reach their goals, further enhancing my ability to support diverse client populations, which will be crucial in my role at my placement.
Why did you choose the Library Social Work Fellowship?
I chose the Library Social Work Fellowship because it offers a unique opportunity to integrate social work practice within a community-centered environment. Libraries serve as accessible, welcoming spaces for individuals from diverse backgrounds, and I am passionate about using my skills to support those in need within such a setting. The fellowship aligns with my commitment to community-based care and my desire to provide person-centered support to individuals seeking resources, guidance, and assistance. Additionally, this fellowship provides a platform to engage with various community members, address social issues, and promote well-being, making it an ideal fit for my career aspirations in social work.
How can social workers help libraries serve their communities?
Social workers can play a vital role in helping libraries serve their communities by providing essential support services that address various social issues. They can assist patrons with accessing resources such as housing, employment, healthcare, and mental health services, bridging the gap between community members and the support they need. Social workers can also offer crisis intervention, case management, and advocacy, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the necessary assistance. By facilitating educational workshops, support groups, and community outreach programs, social workers can enhance the library’s role as a community hub, promoting inclusivity, well-being, and social cohesion.
Additional comments
I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the Library Social Work Fellowship and bring my passion for community-based support to this program. I look forward to leveraging my skills and experiences to make a meaningful impact on the lives of community members served by the library!
Sara Bathory, CLP – Downtown & Business
What was your educational and work background prior to your placement?
BSW from Chatham University, MLIS from the University of Pittsburgh. I’ve worked in both ACLA and CLP libraries since 2017 as clerk, library assistant and librarian. The interaction with library users over the last 7 years inspired me to get my social work degree.
Why did you choose the Library Social Work Fellowship?
My research for my whole MLIS degree has revolved around the development of modern libraries becoming community centers. They are the gap fillers for what our current policies and organizations do not cover, and I think that is super interesting.
How can social workers help libraries serve their communities?
My mentor, Katrina Mink, told me upon our first time meeting that libraries are “the wild wild west of social work,” and I can’t agree more. I urge social workers inside libraries to use that chaos and freedom to their advantage. Create partnerships that bring consistent care into the library. Inform people about what’s out there, because a lot of the time they just don’t know! Spread information like wildfire.
Jordan Costley, Millvale Community Library
What was your educational and work background prior to your placement?
A bachelors degree in social work from Hood College.
What unique outside experiences, personal background or special skills do you feel have prepared you for this placement?
I worked as as assistant director of a summer camp, participating in theater, administrative assistant roles.
Why did you choose the Library Social Work Fellowship?
I look forward to the opportunity to understand on another level the importance of libraries in the community. I chose this fellowship not only as an opportunity to learn more about me as I pursue my education in social work, but also learn about the community needs.
How can social workers help libraries serve their communities?
Create access to communities that are in need. Network within the community to provide information, and social worker can help libraries serve their communities by assisting in finding the strengths and weaknesses of the library and helping to best improve the library.
