Social Worker Task Force

Charge

As of June 2022, the PLA Social Worker Task Force has been sunsetted. PLA is considering how best to reform the group to continue its important work. Please check back for updates on the task force's future activities, or contact Katheen Hughes, khughes@ala.org with any questions.


To develop and recommend a strategic and coordinated approach for PLA related to how public libraries address the social service needs of customers. The task force will identify best practices and will consider resources to be developed that will allow PLA to offer guidance and technical support to libraries. Task force activities include but are not limited to: recommendations for training and ways to engage library staff on the topic; identification of model programs in order to generate and share best practices; consideration of how social work methods can be integrated into libraries and PLA's educational programming; identifying ways PLA might influence social work services within public libraries; and helping libraries serve diverse communities. The group will also work to ensure that the model developed here can be adapted to support other non-librarian professionals working in public libraries (i.e., early literacy experts, IT staff, etc.).

Roster

Mrs. Debra Walsh Keane
(Co-Chair, July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022)
Patrick Lloyd
(Co-Chair, July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022)
Tiffany Russell
(Co-Chair, July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022)
Melissa Glenn
(Member, July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022)
Ms. Sarah C. Johnson
(Member, July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022)
Margaret Ann Paauw
(Member, July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022)
Kathleen M. Hughes
(Staff Liaison, July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2022)

Displaying active committee roster as of 07/01/2020. Last retrieved on 10/03/2024. Refresh now.

Composition

The PLA Social Worker Task Force consists of a minimum of four members, up to 10 members, led by three co-chairs.

Origin

Established in summer 2018 by an electronic vote of the PLA Board.

Staff Liaisons

Kathleen M. Hughes

Manager, Publications

312-280-4028

khughes@ala.org

Get Involved

To be a thriving, vibrant organization, PLA must have committed and active committee members. If you are interested in serving on a committee, please read and fill out the online volunteer form.

  • Volunteers are accepted on an ongoing basis.
  • Appointments are made by the PLA President and President-Elect, primarily in the spring.
  • Volunteers must be members of ALA and PLA.

Join the Social Work Interest Group on ALA Connect to stay up-to-date on these topics and connect with peers on similar issues. This group is open to the public, but an ALA login is required to join.