Don’t Forget About the Kids: The Perceptions and Experiences of Youth Services Librarians Responding to Social Services Needs in Public Libraries

230 public youth services librarians responded to a survey exploring their perceptions and experiences addressing social services needs in the library, including how often and in what way they respond to various social services concerns, their perceptions toward the professional scope of librarianship, and the kind of support needed to address these increasing community needs. Analysis revealed that youth librarians are frequently encountering both youth and adults in need of social services-related support and are responding to these needs in the library through both partnerships and direct library services. But perceptions were mixed regarding the ideal role that public librarians should take on in addressing these needs, with many reporting a desire for increased partnerships with social workers, particularly those who are able to work with youth in the library.