TK

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

Sam Tarolli, CLP – Knoxville

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

Currently, I am working towards my BASW as well as an Urban Studies Bachelors degree. I have had experience working with youth at my hometown local library, as well as being a Youth Ambassador at the LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland. Specifically, queer youth is a population that I am the most familiar with.

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

Throughout my life, I have always been involved in community engagement and volunteering in some capacity. My variety of experiences working with at-risk populations has shaped me to feel prepared to jump into social work.

Why did you choose the Library Social Work Fellowship?

I chose this fellowship because I wanted to get involved in social work in a public-facing way, and be able to develop my community engagement skills on a more one-on-one level. Libraries are incredibly important, especially just simply as a third space for folks, and that is something that I am especially passionate about with my background in Urban Studies.

How can social workers help libraries serve their communities?

Social workers being in a third space such as a library, allows for community members to receive resources in the most accessible and approachable way possible. The lack of barriers that come with having social workers in libraries is game-changing. Libraries are just a simple, familiar, and non-intimidating way to get personal necessities.

Tamyah Rice, CLP – Hill District

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

I am currently an undergraduate student in the School of social work. I will be expecting to graduate in May 2025.

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

I volunteer at a non profit organization and helped out the social worker there.

Why did you choose the Library Social Work Fellowship?

I choose the library social work fellowship because I love the library and I have always wanted to work there. Combing social work and library seem liked a good fit for me.

How can social workers help libraries serve their communities?

Social worker can help the library serve the community by helping them engage with the members and providing more information about different resources.

Devontae White, CLP – Downtown & Business

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

Senior Social work student at University of Pittsburgh. Previous managerial experience in high pace, stressful environments. Catering experience as well.

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

My previous managerial skills has helped me prepare for this placement. The courses I have taken at the University of Pittsburgh has also prepared me for this placement as well. I also have experience dealing with housing security, so I am able to relate to many of those in need at this location.

Why did you choose the Library Social Work Fellowship?

I chose the Library fellowship because I have a previous positive experience with libraries, and the setting is also similar to what I expect to experience once I graduate.

How can social workers help libraries serve their communities?

Social workers can help libraries serve their communities by being able to manage and organize rescores that many communities need for the members of society that are struggling to make it. Libraries offer many different important and dire rescores that are needed to succeed in this world, and social workers can amplify that service by utilizing their skills and resources.

Additional comments

I think the library placement is an AMAZING option for social work students to experience real life social work first hand in a safe and comfortable environment. I also think that it will allow many students who do not get many chances to interact with the outside world to actually get their feet wet.