UK researchers awarded IMLS grant to strengthen social services in public libraries
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 25, 2025) — Researchers from the University of Kentucky College of Communication and Information and the College of Social Work received a three-year grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to expand access to social services through public libraries.
Youngok Choi, Ph.D., director of the School of Information Science; Brian Real, Ph.D., assistant professor in the School of Information Science; and Matt Moore, Ph.D., associate professor and associate dean of academic and student affairs in the College of Social Work, received IMLS funding for their project “Strengthening social service: Curriculum development and practicum in public libraries.”
Public libraries play an essential role as community hubs, offering services that respond to local needs. In recent years, many libraries have expanded their reach by hiring social workers to address growing social challenges. This partnership between librarians and social workers not only enhances community services but also highlights the power of collaboration between the two fields.
“Our project aims to create a new educational pathway for graduate students, empowering them to lead community-based initiatives and strengthen our neighborhoods,” Choi said.
The grant reflects the interdisciplinary teamwork and innovation that make such collaborations possible.
Choi, Moore and Real received internal funding and $422,686 from the IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program for a total of $600,000 to support this project. The School of Information Science and College of Social Work research team will develop and implement a new specialized graduate pathway that integrates core social work principles with library practice. Graduate students from both programs will collaborate to develop innovative approaches for serving communities.
The program will also include the development of online training modules to help address staffing issues in public libraries facing challenges in a social work context, as well as an international symposium focused on social work-informed library services.
“Public librarians have provided resources to community members without cost for more than a decade and, through reference and referral services, have often connected people to other organizations,” Real said. “Connecting public libraries to social work services is a natural step forward, since people with the greatest needs already trust librarians.”
This project was made possible by the Institute of Museum and Library Services Award Number RE-258982-OLS-25.
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