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–Katrina Mink, BSW/MSW, Social Work in Libraries Program Coordinator

Elizabeth Jade Johnson, Baldwin Borough Public Library

What was your educational and work background prior to your placement?

My BA is in Social Justice from Hamline University. It is an interdisciplinary program and – in addition to community organizing, critical theory, philosophy, law and more – I also had an advisor in Information Science and took several courses in that field. My focus was on theory and communications, specifically how political ideas are communicated in society. My first college mentor, Tom Eland of Minneapolis Community and Technical College, the Library Operations Coordinator, introduced me to the intricacies of library management, including working with the zine collection. After I graduated, I worked for many years in social services as a Case Manager. I also have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Certificate and experience working in the Hartford Public Library.

What unique outside experiences, personal background or special skills do you feel have prepared you for this placement?

Definitely the confluence of my experience in social justice praxis, info science, Teaching English as a Foreign Language, and Case Management all coming together.

Why did you choose the Library Social Work Fellowship?

It seemed like too perfect of an application of all the things I’ve been building over the years. I also really loved the creative and open nature of the Fellowship.

How can social workers help libraries serve their communities?

At their most basic level, of course a social worker connects clients to essential services, but a social worker should be able to do more than just refer. A social worker should also be able to serve as an advocate, promote social change, empower individuals and the community, and help people to achieve person-centered goals. So many library workers are already expected to serve as de facto social workers but without the social work specific background and training. The presence of social workers at the library helps provide critical aid not just to the clients but the other library staff as well. Whether they are helping with large goals like facilitating unhoused clients with housing services, assisting clients in need of mental health services, aiding in employment and skills development, or helping with more discrete but just as necessary goals like completing SNAP applications, social workers are a vital asset for any heavily trafficked community space.

Additional comments

Libraries represent more than mere repositories of books or service providers; they are vital community commons in an increasingly commercialized society. Within late-stage capitalism, there are almost no community spaces available to us. Libraries offer inclusive spaces free from the pressures of consumption, fostering knowledge sharing, skill development, and community engagement at no cost. The ALA recognizes the critical role libraries play in servicing the poor directly in their policies. From children, to working adults, unemployed adults, the housed and unhoused, the library offers critical services that are utilized by nearly all demographics in the community. Libraries serve as public spheres that promote growth, solidarity, and resistance against social fragmentation. I am so proud to have been chosen to help aid in this goal.

Inessa Kiefer, C.C. Mellor Memorial Library

What was your educational and work background prior to your placement?

I am a senior in the School of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing my Bachelors degree. I have previously worked as a tutor for PittEnrich, an enrichment program for elementary students seeking additional help. I completed an internship this summer with Family Beehive as a Community Engagement intern.

What unique outside experiences, personal background or special skills do you feel have prepared you for this placement?

I have previously worked in Community Engagement Centers and in roles that have allowed me to fine tune the most important skills necessary in this placement. My passion for learning and gaining experience with all populations in every subject area allows for a very enriching experience.

Why did you choose the Library Social Work Fellowship?

I love the idea that a social worker can wear many hats, and I feel as though social workers working within a library setting get to expand this collection of hats the most. This Library Social Work Fellowship will allow me to become more acquainted with the inner workings of communities and familiarize myself with problem solving in this realm.

How can social workers help libraries serve their communities?

Libraries have always been a place in a community in which people can feel the most connected with those surrounding them. I feel as though social workers are an asset to libraries because they can provide well-rounded care to patrons and communities.

Veronica Emigh, Andrew Bayne Memorial Library & Avalon Public Library

What was your educational and work background prior to your placement?

Prior to my placement in the Library Fellowship through Pitt’s MSW program, I completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology at PSU. My minor was Child Maltreatment Advocacy Studies (a topic that I am very passionate about!) I also collected and coded data for a lab that aimed to understand emotional development in childhood and adolescence. My favorite experiment I worked on examined the therapeutic effects of drawing. I also participated in youth programs such as Friendship Group, which was a small-group session for kids who were having trouble making friends in traditional realms, like school or sports teams. We ran team building games, worked on sharing our feelings, and did numerous arts and craft projects. Last but not least, to earn money for survival, I also worked at Wegmans. I started as a cashier, then built my way up to Front End Coordinator! Some days were a lot busier or harder than others, but management especially taught me a lot about self-discipline and avoidance of burn-out.

What unique outside experiences, personal background or special skills do you feel have prepared you for this placement?

I have always been very passionate about people and their well-being. Sometimes I can come off a little reserved because I value choosing my words carefully and making sure to be sensitive to other’s experiences. Once you get to know me, I am definitely the friend other friends come to for advice as well as chill one-on-one hangouts. I am a great listener, and love to solve puzzles (both physical and metaphorical). I think I’m a great person for this Fellowship because I have both the heart and analytical ability to make a real difference!

Why did you choose the Library Social Work Fellowship?

The Library Fellowship stood out as a unique opportunity. Before this year, I wasn’t even aware social workers worked in libraries, but now the connection makes a lot of sense to me. Libraries are public spaces that welcome everyone, and are hubs of knowledge about many different subjects. No wonder people come there looking for outside guidance! In addition, youth programing is something I have previous experience with, so it made sense for me to choose something for my first year that aligns with my strengths, as well as introduces me to some new things, like helping with housing/food insecurity.

How can social workers help libraries serve their communities?

From what I understand so far, social workers can approach serving their communities in libraries from many different angles. They can recommend books or materials offered within the library, offer referrals to outside resources, engage the community in fundraising, or hold community events like family story hour. I’m personally very excited to learn how I can best be of service to those within the communities I am serving.