Overview

This 1-hour training explores how intentional, interdisciplinary collaboration can strengthen libraries’ ability to respond to complex community needs while remaining grounded in their core mission and scope of practice. Participants examine why partnerships between libraries, social workers, and other helping professionals are increasingly essential, and how these collaborations can reduce staff strain, improve patron experiences, and support more equitable outcomes. 

 Through real-world examples, applied frameworks, and guided reflection, learners explore how to initiate partnerships, anticipate common challenges, and use trauma-informed communication to sustain collaboration over time. Emphasis is placed on relationship-building, clarity of roles, shared goals, and communication practices that support trust, accessibility, and long-term success across disciplines. connections, and support both patrons and staff within the library environment. 

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 why interdisciplinary collaboration is a strategic way for libraries to respond to complex community needs while remaining within their mission and scope of practice. 

• Identify key steps and considerations for initiating and sustaining effective partnerships with social workers and other community-based professionals. 

• Apply trauma-informed communication principles to reduce common collaboration challenges and support ethical, relationship-driven partnerships. 

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