A Social Work Approach to Patron Services
November 1, 2019
While working on her practicum in 2012, Zettervall asked her friend Nienow, a social worker, to help her lead a book club with a group of Somali girls who had endured hardship because of civil war; the collaboration resulted in this book. The authors describe librarianship and social work as sister professions. Both professions began in the United States in the late 1800s during the progressive era and were staffed primarily by women (excluding leadership positions, which were typically held by men). This holds true in modern times; women still make up a majority of workers in these professions. The professions both prioritize service and respect for privacy and human rights. Zettervall and Nienow demonstrate how collaboration between librarians and social workers benefits communities. They offer relevant examples and, in the appendixes, information on doing a community needs assessment, along with other suggestions. VERDICT This is a well-researched and practical guide recommended for those in the library and social worker professions.--Dave Pugl, Ela Area P.L., Lake Zurich, IL
Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.