The Perceptions of Supervisors of Library Social Work Interns: Challenges and Recommendations

Abstract

Though the number of public libraries that host student interns is increasing around the world, there is a paucity of research about the experience of supervisors in these placements. This study addresses that absence through qualitative interviews with fourteen individuals with experience supervising library-based social work students. An iterative data analysis elucidated four challenges connected to their roles: (1) philosophical differences between libraries and social work; (2) navigating structural/bureaucracy issues in the library system; (3) managing ethical considerations in students’ work; and (4) negotiating the lack of precedence of the library/social work collaborative. Participants further identified specific tactics they took and/or recommended in response to these challenges. The study concludes with recommendations made by the authors based on the study and the research literature.

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