Why Trauma-Informed? A PLA Social Worker Task Force Webinar

***BEFORE YOU REGISTER FOR THIS ON-DEMAND WEBINAR PLEASE REVIEW IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION BELOW***

Members of the PLA Social Worker Task Force continue to explore trauma-informed library approaches with this deep-dive into trauma and the trauma-informed approach, with a focus on why this is an important consideration for every public library. Every person who works in your library has been through a stressful or traumatic experience and all those who walk through your library's doors have also experienced some degree of trauma and/or stress.

In this on-demand webinar, the presenters—all working library social workers—show how following a trauma-informed approach can relieve the pressure that results from managing difficult situations, explore methods for offering choices to patrons, and for creating an environment of collaboration and trust at the library.

Originally presented November 18, 2019.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand more about what trauma is, including types of trauma;
• Empower patrons with making choices;
• Understand how the trauma-informed approach aligns with library values;
• Comprehend the use of trauma-informed ideals in developing informed judgement; and
• Appreciate the importance of self-care.

Who Should Attend

This on-demand webinar is intended for public librarians at all levels of experience; library administration; public library social workers; social work educators; library social work interns; field supervisors; social work students; MLIS students; all library workers; library security staff; other social service agencies; members of the public.

Panelists

Jean Badalamenti, MSW, is DC Public Library’s health and human services assistant manager, working in the service design and engagement office. Since 2014, she has been developing programs, creating partnerships, and training DCPL staff to support customers experiencing homelessness. Jean's most recent project equips DCPL staff with dialogue facilitation skills that support the public library as center for civic engagement and community dialogue.

Leah Esguerra, LMFT, is a California licensed marriage and family therapist. She is the nation’s first full-time library social worker with San Francisco Public Library. Leah manages the SFPL social service program, which consists of six health and safety associates (HASAs) who are library outreach workers with lived experience with homelessness.

Elissa Hardy, LCSW is the community resource manager at the Denver Public Library in Colorado. This department consists of three other social workers and six peer navigators. The team supports and builds relationships with customers experiencing life challenges and assists them in navigating community resources to achieve their goals and improve quality of life; provides training for library staff; and engages the community in solutions in addressing social

Important Registration Information

Log into or create your ALA eLearning account

An ALA eLearning account is required to register. Don’t have an account? Create one for free by going to the “Log in” menu located at the top right corner of your screen. No membership is required to create the account.

Redeem your signup code to complete your registration

Once you’ve registered for this on-demand webinar, a signup code will be added to your ALA eLearning account and emailed to you. Find the signup code on your signup code page, then redeem it on your account’s dashboard to complete your enrollment in this on-demand webinar.

• Need to purchase registration on behalf of a colleague?
• Need to register a group of 3 or more?
• Need to register with a purchase order?

Review the ALA eLearning FAQ if you need more information.

Accommodations

This on-demand webinar is closed captioned in English (United States).

If you have a physical or communication need that may affect your access to this on-demand webinar, please contact us at plawebinars@ala.org or 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752) prior to registering so we can attempt to provide appropriate accommodations.

Tech Requirements

To play this on-demand webinar you should use a browser with native HTML5 support. Please use the most up-to-date version available of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, or Edge. A fast Internet connection and computer is recommended.

Contact

This webinar is presented by the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).

If you have questions or problems accessing a recording, send a message to plawebinars@ala.org or call 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752).