Become a Community Changemaker

Libraries are increasingly becoming community hubs where individuals seek help with social issues, including mental health, housing and employment challenges. In Dominican’s MSW library track, you’ll train to meet the needs of diverse populations, offering resources and support to communities in library settings. This growing discipline of social work enhances community engagement, provides critical support to individuals in need and fosters a more holistic approach to public service. 

  • Gain hands-on experience through placement in libraries
  • Courses taught by leading faculty with real-world experience in librarianship and social work

What You’ll Learn

As the only social work program in the Chicagoland area with an interdisciplinary library track, Dominican University recognizes the critical roles social workers play in library settings. In addition to learning how to provide culturally sensitive services, you’ll prepare to support organizations through professional referrals and staff training. 

Through your library and information science courses, you’ll analyze and compare social, cultural, economic, and political factors that influence access to information and the development and delivery of information services. As a student, you’ll examine instructional approaches and strategies to better serve library patrons with diverse levels of information literacy. 

Required Courses

Students in the library track are required to take the following courses in addition to the general MSW curriculum:

  • SWK 701 Core Values, Ethics, and Issues in the Library and Information Professions
  • SWK 702  Facilitating User Learning and Information Needs

Placements

We will connect you with our expansive network of agencies in the Chicago area that offer hands-on research and clinical opportunities. You will complete your placement at a library, furthering access to information and offering support to the public, including populations that are unhoused and with mental health needs.

Explore placements

What to Expect as You Earn Your MSW from Dominican

The Dominican University experience is one that embraces unique viewpoints, values hands-on learning and fosters collaborative relationships—among faculty, students and the communities that we hope to influence through our values-centered degree programs. When you study for your Master of Social Work here, you’ll get the benefit of modern learning designed for working professionals as well as a relationship-focused atmosphere that will help you become a stronger leader in your field.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Obtaining an MSW degree with a library track will open many doors for you to enact change in libraries where patrons face pressing challenges. You’ll be able to provide one-on-one guidance to individuals seeking help, including those experiencing substance abuse, homelessness or unemployment. At an organization-level, you’ll understand how to support libraries through policy changes, fundraising for emerging programs, and networking with community partners. You’ll become a cornerstone of the community, transforming library settings into spaces of care and compassionate service for all patrons.

Along with opportunities for financial aid through loans and grants, the School of Social Work offers a variety of departmental scholarships for outstanding academic achievement and graduate assistantships for those who wish to work with faculty while pursuing their degree. You may also be eligible for GI Bill education benefits. Contact our Office of Financial Aid to learn more.

We can be reached at (708) 524-6809 or finaid@dom.edu.

For more information,
please contact:

Office of Graduate Admission
Enrollment Management
gradinfo@dom.edu

Request Information

Loading...

Ready for your next steps?