More Updates on Social Work and Dual Degrees

I found more articles and documents about the value of social work dual degrees:


‘Dual Degrees’ Open New Opportunities

NASW Center for Workforce Studies: The Value of Dual Degrees

Dual Degree Social Work Programs: Where are the Programs and Where are the Graduates?

Social Work and Public Health: Comparing Graduates from a Dual-Degree Program

The Role of Libraries in Workforce Development

Libraries play an important role in enhancing adult literacy in the workplace. The American Library Association (ALA) submitted comments to the leaders of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee on Friday, urging the committee to consider library priorities for the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act.

“Libraries play a critical role in providing access to workforce development activities and information related to training services and employment opportunities,” Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the ALA Washington Office, said.

“We asked the committee to recognize the work libraries are already doing to help the public get back to work and to include libraries in this bill so that they will have the resources and support they need to continue strengthening America’s workforce and helping people look for jobs.”

The ALA’s comments outline seven priorities for the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act. Foremost, the ALA asks the HELP Committee to ensure the bill makes public libraries are eligible for funds for employment and training activities and encourages workforce operators to partner with public libraries. The comments also ask the committee to include public libraries as part of state and local Workforce Development Boards and to emphasize the importance of adult digital literacy skills training.

NASW: Social Work Researchers Should Educate Public

This is a recent NASW blog piece from a scholar who believes social work researchers should take on a more active role against bigotry and change society. Doing so is part of the service to disenfranchised populations and individuals.

A recent editorial in Social Work Research urges social work researchers to more actively aid resistance to media bias and polemical attacks. Matthew O. Howard cites recent public attacks by Glen Beck on Francis Fox Piven, and the subsequent threats on her life by some of Beck’s listeners. Piven herself analyzed the social situation that gives rise to such irrational demagoguery, and maintains that it results from the difficulty the public have in understanding the complexities of legislative and governmental policies. Piven calls the gap between legislative complexity and public comprehension the “blank space in the democratic process.”

Howard urges social work researchers to help “reduce the blank space” in US democracy.

NSW: 14 Ways to Stand Out for New MSW Graduates

In case you haven't noticed, the New Social Worker has an article for new MSW graduates. The author outlines excellent points, and I use them in my job search process. I highly recommend reading.

1. Join, participate, and assume leadership in a professional organization.


2. Network and have social work friends.


3. Start any long-term processes (such as job search, licensure) immediately.


4. Find a mentor.


5. Maintain affiliation with your school or a local school of social work.


6. Consider licensure.


7. Consider different credentials.


8. Remain learned! Engage in continuing education.


9. Be open. Be flexible.


10. Get the best job possible that fits YOUR GOALS AND NEEDS.


11. Identify some role models.


12. Work on your professional speaking and presentation.


13. Social network. Professionalize your Facebook and LinkedIn profiles.


14. Have a good, well formatted résumé.

Metro Times: Detroit Public Library's Bookmobile

This is an interesting local story about the origins, mission and impact of the Detroit Public Library's Bookmobile in the community. It shows how public libraries are increasing access to literacy and expanding democracy, particularly in marginalized neighborhoods.

The DPL has operated its bookmobile since 1940. The program is based at the Douglass Branch for Specialized Services on Grand River near Trumbull, which also houses several other programs, like the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

Two bookmobiles make the rounds. Each one, a newer-model mini-bus with shelves instead of seats, can hold thousands of books. One is full of children's material and makes stops at public schools in Detroit where the libraries have been closed or aren't staffed by a librarian anymore, rendering them closed anyway.

The other is stocked with genres such as mystery, romance, biography and modern novels. It visits far-flung homes, densely packed senior apartment complexes, and riverfront retirement communities, serving adults who can't make their way to a library on their own. New patrons come by word-of-mouth, or by postings on bulletin boards in recreation centers and retirement homes.