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National Social Work Month, first organized in 1963 by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), has been officially recognized by the White House since 1984. Each day social workers help millions of people. They strive to empower individuals and communities to overcome obstacles, access resources, and lead fulfilling lives. This month is not only a time to celebrate the significant contributions social workers make but also raise awareness about the issues they address. It is a time to advocate not only for the profession but also for societal changes.

Social workers are employed in nearly every part of society where people need assistance. These include hospitals, schools, prisons, libraries, government agencies, non-profit organizations, as well as private practice. Social workers address a wide range of issues such as poverty and economic inequality, mental health and wellness, child welfare and protection, healthcare access and equity, substance abuse and addiction, domestic violence and abuse, LGBTQ+ rights and advocacy, aging and elder care, immigration and refugee services, and racial justice and equity. Their role encompasses advocacy, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, policy development, and community organizing.

In doing this work social workers encounter numerous obstacles. They often contend with heavy workloads, limited resources, and bureaucratic red tape. The issues they deal with are usually highly complex and multifaceted, having no easy answers. As a result, social workers also face compassion fatigue, the physical, emotional, and mental effects of helping others in difficult situations. Yet, despite these challenges, social workers persevere, driven by their dedication to social justice and their commitment to serving those in need.

If you would like to learn more about social work, please check out our book display on the main floor of the Library. You also can explore Loras’ social work major and talk to our faculty members.

Last week was the 96^th Academy Awards, the oldest and most prestigious awards given for artistry and technical merit in film. These awards serve as a testament to the enduring power of film and the transformative impact of storytelling. Each year the Oscars showcase a diverse array of movies from small independent films to huge blockbusters that have challenged, inspired, and entertained audiences around the world.

Several of the films honored at this year’s Oscars recently have been added to our Wilkie Classic Film Collection. You can find them and other new acquisitions currently on display on the Library’s fourth floor. They include: Oppenheimer, Past Lives, The Holdovers, The Quiet Girl = An Cailín Ciúin, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and Mission: impossible. Dead Reckoning. Part One.

Why not pick up a movie from our Wilke Classic Film Collection today? A portable DVD player can be checked out at the Library Services Desk. Lose yourself in the enduring magic of film.

As we observe Women's History Month this year, we honor the courageous women who have worked tirelessly for diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize individuals who have spoken out against discrimination and injustice, amplifying the voices of the marginalized. Through their activism and advocacy, they have pushed for systemic change and led the way for progress in all spheres of life. While there are countless women who could be mentioned, we will highlight just a few here.

Angela Davis is a scholar, advocate, and author whose work challenges systemic oppression and advocates for vulnerable communities. She focuses on issues of civil rights, feminism, and prison reform, emphasizing the intersections of race, gender, and class and highlighting the importance of solidarity in achieving social justice.

Dolores Huerta is a civil rights leader who co-founded the United Farm Workers union with Cesar Chavez. Her grassroots organizing efforts helped bring about significant gains in labor rights, particularly among farmworkers, immigrants, and women.  

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a pioneering figure in the fight for gender equality within the legal system. As the second woman on the Supreme Court, her landmark opinions and dissents, particularly in relation to civil liberties, have shaped the course of American law, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

Marsha P. Johnson was a transgender activist and prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Her leadership, particularly during the Stonewall Riots, helped mobilize the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, paving the way for progress and visibility for transgender and non-binary individuals.

Billie Jean King is a tennis legend renowned not only for her achievements on the court but also for her efforts in promoting gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. Her work has helped break down barriers and challenged discriminatory practices within athletic institutions.

Elizabeth Peratrovich was a civil rights leader of Tlingit descent, whose advocacy led to the passage of the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 in Alaska, making it the first state to outlaw racial discrimination. Her efforts opened the way for greater recognition and rights for Indigenous communities.

Greta Thunberg is a global activist for climate action, despite her young age. Her advocacy exemplifies the intersectionality of social and environmental justice, highlighting the importance of inclusive solutions that address the needs of all communities, particularly those most susceptible to the impacts of climate change.

Alice Wong is a leading voice in the disability rights movement and founder of the Disability Visibility Project. She has dedicated her life to challenging ableism and fighting for greater accessibility, inclusion, and representation for disabled people in all aspects of society.

Malala Yousafzai is a courageous supporter for girls' education. Despite an assassination attempt and continued threats from extremists, Malala remains committed to promoting equality and inclusivity through education.

To learn more about these women and others dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, please visit our book display on the third floor. Together, let us honor legacies of these women by striving for a more just and inclusive society for all.

Since 2012, every March Open Education Global hosts a week-long event called Open Education Week. Its goal is to raise awareness and celebrate the impact of open education on teaching and learning worldwide.

Open Education Resources (OER) include a wide array of materials – textbooks, lecture notes, interactive modules, and even entire courses – that are freely accessible and openly licensed. These resources are designed to be used, shared, and modified without financial or legal barriers.

By providing free access to high-quality learning materials, OER democratizes education. This equal access is essential to student success. OER’s flexibility also allows for modifications of materials to better reflect diverse learners and perspectives.

Open Education Week is not just a celebration but also a call to action. It is a reminder that education is a fundamental human right (Article 26, Universal Declaration of Human Rights) and thus it is essential to ensure its accessibility and affordability for everyone.

To learn more about OER at Loras check out our OER Research Guide or talk to one of the librarians.