Social Work in Iowa Grant Project Update

The State Library has some exciting updates to share about the Social Work in Iowa Grant Project. First: going forward, the initiative will be referred to as Trauma-Informed Library Practices to more accurately reflect the project’s objectives. We’ve also made progress on key recommendations from Dr. Beth Wahler based on the statewide needs assessment she conducted in 2022.

Monthly Reflective Practice Groups

The State Library has hired Alyssa Caldbeck, MSW, LISW to facilitate six different online groups starting in September and October using a technique called reflective practice. The groups will focus on creating a safe space to share and reflect on personal experiences at work, gain social support from others in similar roles, and continuously learn new perspectives and skills.

Groups will meet via Zoom on a monthly basis, with two groups geared towards library administrators (one for urban/suburban and one for rural administrators) and four groups for non-administrative staff (two for urban/suburban and two for rural library staff). The groups will be offered through the length of the grant until summer 2026. Continuing education credit will not be awarded for participating in the groups.

Librarians interested in attending the groups should:

• Discuss with their supervisor the group’s meeting schedule to ensure necessary coverage for their regular duties.
• Have a private, confidential space to participate in the group via Zoom, including a computer with microphone, audio and video capabilities. (If technology is a barrier, reach out via email at alyssa.caldbeck@iowa.gov.)

Find out more about reflective practice and what you can expect in the groups, and watch an introductory video from Alyssa Caldbeck, on the Trauma-Informed Library Practices webpage.

The first group starts Sept. 26! Sign up now at the link below.

Sign Up for Reflective Practice Groups

New Endorsement Modules in Workday Learning

The State Library has added an online video-based endorsement track available through Workday Learning to help support library workers to address the needs of high-needs patrons as well as create healthy, supportive work environments. This free, self-directed learning opportunity can be completed at the convenience of staff and includes two separate sets of modules, one for staff in administrative or supervisory roles and one for non-administrative staff.

Librarians will be able to access the new Endorsement modules once Workday Learning launches in October 2024.

Mental Health First Aid Training Early 2025

Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based course designed to help participants identify and intervene with someone experiencing a mental health or substance-use related crisis. These courses are designed specifically for people working in all types of public-serving environments and have been very helpful in many library environments to increase staff skills and improve confidence handling difficult situations.

Alyssa Caldbeck, MSW, LISW will facilitate Mental Health First Aid training at in-person sessions in each district across the state as well as offering a virtual option. These courses will be scheduled beginning early 2025. Watch for more information and registration to come!

Find out more about all of the above, as well as the 2022 needs assessment and bios on Dr. Beth Wahler and Alyssa Caldbeck at the link below:

Trauma-Informed Library Practices

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services Grant #RE-254904-OLS-23.