Overview

This 1-hour training introduces social work-informed macro skills and strategies that help libraries strengthen community well-being. Participants explore how libraries function as trusted community anchors and how a macro lens supports work beyond individual patron interactions – by identifying patterns, understanding system barriers, and shaping conditions that improve access, equity, and opportunity at scale. 

 Across the training, learners examine how libraries contribute to connected, resilient communities and how macro-level tools—like community assessment, cross-sector partnership building, advocacy, and program evaluation—can guide sustainable responses to evolving community needs. 

Delivery Method

Asynchronous distance learning 

Course Level

This course is geared for professionals at the basic, intermediate, advanced and clinical levels.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain how a macro-focused approach helps libraries address community-level conditions (not only individual needs) in ways that advance equity and well-being. 

• Identify key macro skill areas used in library/community work (assessment & evaluation, advocacy, collaboration/coalition building, and policy/systems thinking). 

• Apply macro strategies to a library scenario by selecting actions that reflect needs assessment, partnership design, and systems-level advocacy. 

Accreditation

University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/25-9/29/28. Social workers completing this course receive 1.0 general continuing education credits

Instructor

This training was developed by Dr. Beth Wahler. Dr. Wahler brings a social work lens to contemporary library challenges and offers support for libraries of all types and sizes. Although many libraries may not want or be ready to hire their own social worker, Dr. Wahler aims to make social work-informed solutions accessible for every library through individual consultation, staff training and support programs, administrative coaching, needs assessments of staff, patrons/users, or communities, and individualized program design.  

This course was designed as part of a grant funded project with the Institute for Museum and Library Services. The University of Kentucky College of Social Work and College of Communications and Information received the grant funding. Dr. Wahler is a consultant on the funded project.

 

How to Claim Credit

Completion of a pre-assessment and post-assessment 12-question knowledge check with a passing score of 70%

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Online courses cannot be cancelled, and refunds are not available.

Questions

If you have any questions regarding this course, need assistance registering for it, need accommodations, or experience any technical difficulties with completing it, please contact Christina Krantz at christina.krantz@uky.edu.

Course Created: October 8, 2026