Episode 15: Dr. Margaret Ann Paauw, LCSW
Library social workers' insights on the challenges and supports in their field.
Dr. Margaret Ann Paauw is a leading voice in library social work, bringing a wealth of experience as an Assistant Professor at Eastern Michigan University, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and an author. With a background as a library social worker for the Chicago Public Library, she has played a pivotal role in advancing the field. She has been an active member of the Public Library Association’s Library Social Work Taskforce, facilitated the library social work direct service call, and co-authored A Trauma-Informed Framework for Supporting Patrons.
In this discussion, we explore her research on the experiences of library-based social work professionals, shedding light on both the key facilitators and the barriers to successful partnerships between libraries and social workers.
Below is a snippet of our conversation:
Topics
0:00 Intro
1:10 Margaret Ann’s background in library social work (LSW)
3:15 First nationwide study on the experiences of library-based social workers
5:27 Key findings
9:16 Facilitators
9:38 Barriers to LSW
Program support, role clarity
Funding and the importance of LSW research
False expectations and differing philosophies
15.46 Conflicting values
16.58 Physical space
18.45 Lack of creativity
20:45 Facilitators of LSW
Support of social workers
Everyone’s creativity and flexibility are needed
23:37 Navigating barriers & preparing for success
Thoughtful planning and research
Open access to research on LSW
27:23 Plans for LSW best practices guidelines
Importance of open access research and resources
30:15 Connect with Dr. Paauw to access her research and get info on her training mpaauw@emich.edu
Trauma Informed Librarianship
De-escalation
Compassion Fatigue, Moral Injury, and Burnout
33:19 Planning for a successful LSW partnership
34:22 No one-size-fits-all model
36:17 Love of gardening
Links
Beth Wahler free resources https://www.swinthelibrary.com/additional-resources
Giesler, M., Johnson, S., & Paauw, M. A. (2023). The Perceptions of Supervisors of Library Social Work Interns: Challenges and Recommendations. Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/24750158.2023.2255941
Johnson, S.C., Giesler, M., & Paauw, M.A. (2023). “Spending a Year in the Library Will Prepare You for Anything": Experiences of Social Work Interns at Public Library Field Placements. Advances in Social Work, 23(1), 166–184. https://doi.org/10.18060/26176
Paauw, M.A. (2025). Navigating difficult situations in public libraries. ALA Editions. https://alastore.ala.org/ndspla
Paauw, M. A. (2023). Barriers and Facilitators to Library Social Work Practice in the United States: A Mixed-Methods Study (J. Singer, Ed.) [Loyola University Chicago]. Link to dissertation.
Provence, M., & Paauw, M. A. (2025). Success or Failure: Applying Role Theory to Social Work Integration into Public Libraries. Journal of Library Administration, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2025.2468132
For a list of additional resources, check out the Bibliography page