Public Lecture Series

Watch a curated collection of public lectures about social work in libraries.

The SWiL Online Simulation Hub Public Lecture Series

Trauma-informed librarianship with Dr Beth Wahler

This presentation addresses “trauma-informed librarianship,” including the six principles of trauma-informed care and how they can be applied to library settings, the benefits of using a trauma-informed library approach, and examples of library services and programming that have been offered through a trauma-informed lens.

The discussion includes how trauma-informed library practice can support library staff as well as the patrons they serve.

This presentation discusses how the emerging area of library-based social work practice can assist with trauma-informed librarianship but also includes steps libraries can take to demonstrate a trauma-informed approach in the absence of an on-site social worker.

3 Models: Impacts on the de-escalation role of library social workers when patrons experiencing homelessness are in crisis with Dr Mary Provence

This presentation compares three different models of social work practice within urban central libraries in the United States and examine how each model impacts the role social workers play in de-escalating crisis situations affecting patrons experiencing homelessness.

Presenting a portion of the data from an embedded multiple-case study across three libraries with 107 distinct participants collected through 91 surveys and 46 in-depth Zoom interviews, this discussion reflects the perspectives of six different roles: patrons experiencing homelessness, front-facing library staff, library police/security, chief executive officers, branch managers, and social workers.

A Light in the dark: Courage, protection, and the public library with Patrick Lloyd

Books change lives. It’s one reason many of us are passionate about public libraries.

While books will always be an important part of public libraries, many libraries are reimagining their roles.

Social workers, live music, and weddings can now be found within our walls. Libraries aren’t just about books; they’re about people.

This presentation explores the idea of public libraries as protective factors in the lives of all patrons, particularly those who are oppressed or marginalised.

This presentation examines the unique place that public libraries occupy in our communities and considers the courage required to reject the status quo.

Can libraries end homelessness? Stories and reflections from Churchill Fellow Leanne Mitchell

Leanne draws upon local and international experiences and case studies to consider what libraries can do to end homelessness while balancing responsibilities to the wider community.

In 2022 as part of a Churchill Fellowship, Leanne visited the UK, US and Canada, meeting with council officers, elected officials, service providers, academics and library social workers to understand the role that local government can play in preventing and responding to homelessness.

Having visited a selection of libraries in New York, Baltimore, Washington DC and San Francisco, all running social worker programs, she provides observations pertinent to an Australian context.

Illustrated through frontline stories, her lecture will reflect on how an approach that embraces deliberate collaboration and the pursuit of non-traditional partnerships might improve outcomes for library visitors with diverse and complex needs - while also supporting frontline staff.