Academic Journal
Bridging Psychosocial Service Gaps in Rural Communities through Library Social Work.
| Τίτλος: | Bridging Psychosocial Service Gaps in Rural Communities through Library Social Work. |
|---|---|
| Συγγραφείς: | Hong M; Michin Hong, PhD, is associate professor, School of Social Work, Indiana University, 902 West New York Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA., Yoon A; Ayoung Yoon, PhD, is associate professor, Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA., Andricus H; Hutcherson Andricus, MSW, is doctoral student, School of Social Work, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA., Kohl K; Karen Kohl, BS, is research assistant and MLIS student, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA. |
| Πηγή: | Social work [Soc Work] 2026 Oct 01; Vol. 71 (4), pp. 347-356. |
| Τύπος έκδοσης: | Journal Article |
| Γλώσσα: | English |
| Στοιχεία περιοδικού: | Publisher: Oxford University Press Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 2984852R Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1545-6846 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 00378046 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Soc Work Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Publication: <2012-> : Cary, NC : Oxford University Press Original Publication: New York : National Association of Social Workers |
| Ιατρικοί όροι (MeSH): | Social Work*/organization & administration , Social Work*/methods , Library Services*/organization & administration , Rural Population*, Librarians/psychology ; Humans ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged |
| Περίληψη: | Library social work is an emerging field. In rural communities, where resources and infrastructure are often limited, public libraries serve as vital community hubs. However, little is known about rural contexts, particularly community needs and librarians' experiences. This study explored rural residents' perspectives on libraries and librarians' experiences in addressing their community's psychosocial needs. The authors used mixed-methods data from a large project aimed at developing a social service model for rural libraries. As part of this project, the authors conducted a statewide survey of rural residents (N = 1,145), followed by qualitative interviews with rural librarians (N = 11). The survey reported a wide range of psychosocial needs and showed their high expectations for local libraries to address them through various services, including resource referrals, online consultations, and in-library experts (e.g., social workers). Community members generally viewed psychosocial service provision as a fundamental role of local libraries, recognizing them as essential spaces for community well-being. This study underscored the gap between rural communities' psychosocial needs and the capacity of libraries to respond effectively. Social work can help bridge this gap through core skills such as community mobilization, resource navigation, direct service provision when needed, and training and consultation for librarians. (© 2026 National Association of Social Workers.) |
| Grant Information: | LG-254821-OLS-23 Institute of Museums and Library Services |
| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: community engagement; interprofessional collaboration; library social work; mixed-methods data; rural communities |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20260806 Date Completed: 20260921 Latest Revision: 20260921 |
| Update Code: | 20260921 |
| DOI: | 10.1093/sw/swag039 |
| PMID: | 42560787 |
| Βάση Δεδομένων: | MEDLINE |
| ISSN: | 1545-6846 |
|---|---|
| DOI: | 10.1093/sw/swag039 |