Job-Seeker Success: Libraries throw out a lifeline to the unemployed
Category 2: Great tools and services
Category 3: Observations of library staff and workforce agencies
Category 1: "I found a job!"
Cynthia Cameron at the Shreveport Memorial Library (LA) reports:
“We had a patron who had been out of work for a very long time and he was basically computer illiterate and was having trouble looking for jobs. We helped get him on the computer and showed him a few job search websites. He came in daily and practiced signing on to the computer, checking his email and searching for jobs. After several weeks, he was able to finally get a job. He thanked us all profusely as he had not only found a job, but had also become computer literate, which he had once thought was impossible.”
Marianne Lohrmann at the Geauga County Public Library (OH) reports:
“At the beginning of the recession a patron came to the library to use the public computers to assist in his employment search. As the weeks went by we helped him locate resources through data bases and also assisted him in brushing up on the skills necessary to complete online applications and attaching resumes to email. After several weeks he raved about the great service he'd received at the library, especially after he found a job. We were happy for him but sorry for ourselves because he was moving across the country. It's difficult saying good-bye to a happy patron!”
Tennessee Public Libraries provide training, support, and tools for job-seekers.
"Please allow me to express my most heart-felt thanks for all the library has done for me and for all the citizens of the area. I have recently been able to publish an article in an on-line magazine, and I have been able to secure employment. These things would not have been possible without the services of the library and the people who work so hard to provide them."
From a Linebaugh Public Library patron
source: Tennessee Public Libraries: A Critical Resource for Job Seekers
“When I lost my job, the library was the only place I could go and not be judged. I would come to the [Fayetteville] library and … focus on what I really wanted to become… My favorite thing about the library is the staff because they are very helpful.” --a writer
source: Arkansas Libraries: Working to RAISE Employment
Quotes from Maine Libraries Snapshot Day
“The free computer access was instrumental in finding my new job!”
“The computer lab is a good place for me to refresh my resume, find information, and fill out job applications.”
“I am unemployed and am unable to afford Internet access at this time. Having the ability to use the library for this purpose has provided me with a temporary position with the possibility of permanent placement”
source: Maine Answers Tough Times
Jamie Matczak from the Nicolet Federated Library System (WI) shares this story:
I work for a library system, so I don't get a lot of interaction with patrons. I do volunteer (when I can) for my neighborhood library, usually helping patrons with using the internet or laptop basics.
On Tuesday, I helped a woman named Rita. She is a retired widow, age 75. She had never used a computer or the internet before, but she wanted some part-time work at the local Kwik Trip. When she went to the job fair at Kwik Trip, they gave her a newspaper clipping with a web address and told her to apply online. She told them she didn't know how to use a computer, and the Kwik Trip folks told her to "go to the library. They will help you."
She was very nervous and quiet. Because of a medical condition, her hands shake. She kept apologizing for this, and I said, "no problem, let's work on your application." She did not have an email address, so I set up a Gmail account for her. Her work experience prior to retiring was working for our Norbertine Center in town, which we also call The Abbey. She was a cook for 20 years. Most days she would cook and clean for 40 priests/fathers, two meals a day. On weekends, she would cook for up to 100 of them, and sometimes she only had one other person helping her.
We started working on her application. I had never worked with someone who had zero computer experience, so this was new for me, too. Because she had never used a computer and did not have familiarity with the keyboard, I did all the typing. We probably would've been there for hours if I had let her, so in the interest of time, she dictated and I typed. I told her that we could set up separate sessions for going over email, the mouse, computer basics, etc. We worked through the application. Rita was never late for work in the 20 years she worked at the center. She had a clean record and was willing to work any hours.
When we got to the section of "other skills," she said she didn't have any. Then she said, "Well, my husband and I did own a restaurant, but that was 20 years ago."
I said, "how long did you own this restaurant?"
"About 30 years," she said.
"Rita!" I said. "You owned your own business? Did you supervise? Manage? Do payroll? Those are all great, valid skills!"
She confirmed that she did all of that, without a computer of course, but she still knows those things.
It took us close to an hour to finish, which is how long my sessions usually run. We we finished, she started getting out her wallet and asked what I charge. I told her nothing. This was something I do as a volunteer, and it's what libraries are all about. Then she asked if she could give me a tip! I laughed and said "no." She had tears in her eyes and said "thank you" about 20 times. I told her she could let the staff know when she wanted to meet again, and I would help her with other things.
I started tearing up on my walk home. It was definitely one of those "ah ha!" moments for me. It made me grateful for the skills I had and happy that I could help someone else. I really hope I can help her more, and it would be awesome if she got this job.
Pat Jarvis at the South San Francisco Public Library (CA) tells a story about the library's support for an entrepreneur:
Dina is a Project Read adult learner and success story. She lives with her husband and school-age son. Her literacy goals are to improve her reading, writing and speaking skills in order to enhance her job performance.
She started out as an entry level restaurant worker and has gradually advanced to the level of manager. She is very motivated to improve her family’s financial life. Dina enrolled in our financial management program with the goal of starting her own business. We matched her with a coach who has small business expertise. With the assistance of her coach, Dina identified freedom as the main value which motivates her to work towards her goal of entrepreneurship.
She opened a small business Individual Development Account with one of our partnering agencies, saved $2,000 which was then matched with a $4,000 grant. Dina worked with her coach to write a business plan, file a fictitious business name, get her business license, and negotiate and sign a one year business lease. Dina is now a business owner!
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners initiated "Libraries for Job Seekers" efforts to train library staff and enable Massachusetts residents to be "better prepared to meet life's challenges." The following stories resulted from these efforts.
"I was laid off in mid-November and therefore was forced to enter into the job search market. I read in the newspaper of the job fair at your library and made a decision to visit and take advantage of the resources available. As part of this visit I also had the opportunity to sit with a counselor named Ben and have my resume critiques. That experience combined with several books that you had displayed on the topic of job search really helped me redesign my resume. From mid-November to mid-January I had five job interviews. Some wet well, others not so good, but I certainly learned from each experience. I finally was offered a position that I was interested in, but I was not satisfied with the base salary. I went back to your library and read through a reference book that talked about negotiating salary which I found extremely helpful. Using techniques directly from that book I was able to successfully negotiate an additional $10K in base salary and landed the job.
I want to thank the library staff for their assistance and for having this program available to the public. I would certainly credit the program for helping me rejoin the workforce, which was no easy task given these difficult economic times." (library patron in Southeastern Massachusetts)
A librarian in Northeastern Massachusetts reports this story about a patron:
"Last year, the public service staff noticed the same man in the library every day. He spent time using our computers to search job listings, read newspapers, and check out materials. He always acknowledged staff and exchanged pleasantries but staff knew nothing about him. During the winter, he came in one day to say he had gone back to work, and he gave the library a check for $500 in gratitude for the role the library had played in his life. He had lost his wife and his job in close proximity, and the library became his refuge. He found a place that was comfortable, filled with people, and he felt less alone. In his words, the money was a "small thank you for helping me make it through the storm.'"
A librarian in Central Massachusetts reports this story:
"Our library's access to the internet has helped many people in their job searches. However, one sticks out:
A gentleman came into the library one afternoon about an hour before closing. he had been in the military for several years and had worked all of this life. He was laid off and out of work. He went to apply for an advertised management position at a fast food restaurant chain. He was told that all preliminary applications had to be made online.
He came to the library. he did not have much of any experience with computers and didn't have time to learn for this job application. He asked for help. We got him onto the internet. He started filling out the application at the website address he had. At some point, he called me over, because he didn't understand a pop-up. He was totally in the wrong site and had personal information typed in already. I erased his information and found the correct for him. Time was running short --we would be closing. I offered to type for him if he didn't mind. We finished, hit send and a list of 35 questions on management style came up that had to completed in order to apply for the position. It was 5 minutes until closing. Here was a capable man, beside himself with frustration at not being able to do this simple task because of his lack of computer skills. I told him that I would stay over to help him finish the questionnaire. He was very grateful.
One week later, he came into the library a very happy man --he had the job! And he was going to take computer classes."
A Metrowest Massachusetts librarian shares this story:
"A patron who lives locally came to our library's Literacy Project drop-in resume clinic. The library staff helped him get a library card and also pointed him downstairs for help on his resume and job hunting.
He is an army veteran and was also a hairdresser for 20 years but was laid off in December 2008. He was very eager to get back to work but didn't have any computer skills to know how to do on-line applications; he also had no email address and knew nothing about using email.
Two wonderful Literacy Project volunteers, Dena and Mary, bring a phenomenal amount of patience and expertise to the resume and job hunting clinic. They have worked in human resources and library administration; they also bring brilliant people skills that enable them to inject hope into the patrons who come for help. They treat each patron with deep respect, and help each create stunning and clear resumes that highlight skills and strengths.
On Wednesday out friend came in for assistance with his job hunting. He met with the volunteers for about an hour and left with a professional grade resume that he could keep and access--both digitally and on paper. He also left with an email address and a rudimentary sense of how to use it for job hunting. The volunteers helped him create this resume and then send it to lots of jobs, highlighting his veteran status and his successful work history.
On Thursday he got a cal and was interviewed for a job. He was hired.
On Saturday morning he walked into the Literacy Project room 'so excited I can't sit down.' He feels extremely optimistic that his job will be his 'foot in the door' and that 'it will snowball'--that it will lead to a great future."
source: Massachusetts Library Services for Job Seekers
Category 2: Great tools and services
Delaware Libraries Community Resources Exchange solicited 123 agencies to contribute to an ongoing online exchange of resources, events, and opportunities related to alleviating the effects of the economic crisis.
“The brilliance of this program lies in its simplicity.” Governor Jack Markell
“Boy, this group is great! In the short time I have been receiving the e-mails I have heard about lots of events that are new to me...and I thought I knew about most of the human services happenings around the state! Thanks!”
“Just want to say thank you for such a useful tool. The listserv has been an important resource to both receive and send information.”
source: Delaware's Community Resource Exchange Program
Florida libraries partnered with One-Stop Career Centers to familiarize patrons with library and community employment resources and provide training on navigating the the Employ Florida database and completing online applications.
“New to the State, enjoyed the class, received a lot of useful info."
“Thank you…very informative…used the laptops…hope the grant will continue-it is a very needed service”
“Definitely has given me hope”
source: Florida Libraries Collaborating with One-Stop Career Centers
Michigan State Library developed a MeL (Michigan eLibrary) Business and Jobs Gateway site:
"I just learned about your site at the 'Creating Entrepreneurial Communities' conference this past Wednesday. I am IN LOVE! Thankyouthankyouthankyou! I will spread the gospel - you guys ROCK!"
source: Library of Michigan Response to Workforce Needs
Montana State Library purchased state-wide database licenses to enhance equal and remote access and provide employment resources. Comments from patrons include:
"Great to be able to study for my GED online from home."
"The resume builder makes this a lot easier than I remember it to be."
"I didn’t know there were that many careers to choose from. Where do I begin?"
source: Montana State Library Project Compass Snapshot
The New Jersey State Library has been collecting stories about the variety of ways the library impacts the lives of community members. Here are two stories about job help:
"I have lost my Job as main breadwinner for my family due to mergers and cutbacks. We have lost over 2/3'rds of our income while our property taxes and energy costs have jumped. No vacation this year, no more buying anything that is not on sale. We never go out to dinner or a movie, and no purchases are being made in any non-essentials. Our library has helped my wife tremendously in researching graduate schools, and for me in researching companies (using Reference USA) that I feel I could help."
"I lost my job last year so the sacrifices are many. I can not afford to pay for the services my local library and other nearby libraries are providing. While I am out of work I have been doing volunteer work to stay active in my community. My family has basically cut out every luxury and we are now falling behind on our bills. Without the library services my job search will be severely hindered. I attend many job search related networking groups sponsored by the libraries in the area including county libraries."
source: Stories From Everyday Champions
Category 3: Observations of library staff and workforce agencies
Jefferson County Public Library’s E-Train from the Colorado State Library
“(The E-Train) helps to bridge the ‘digital divide’ by bringing computers to folks who may not own one, by helping them learn new job skills and employment strategies, and by helping them access the wealth of information provided by the Internet.” Stacy McKenzie
source: Colorado: State and Local Libraries Providing Direction in Tough Times
The Idaho Commission For Libraries collaborated with the Idaho Department of Labor to make the Career Information System (CIS) available through libraries. The program included training for library staff to help patrons utilize the career development resources.
“In stressed and challenged communities, the public library serves as a resource where people of all ages take part in their community and access information that can improve their life circumstances.” – Alyce Kelley, Director, Emmett Public Library
“I have assisted about 10 people with this website who have been seeking employment. The last group was a group of three older women who were looking for work and they all left with some idea of where they would be going and a hope for their future. This is a great website! I am having another training on May 20th.” - Linda Henderson Buhl Public Library
“Computer access at the libraries is a key component for the sustainability of our rural communities, as a place where people can go for government information, for home-work assignments, for doing their business and banking, for keeping in touch with the troops overseas, for job search, training on using computers and the skills needed for the 21st Century.” - Mike Field, Idaho Rural Partnership
source: Partnering for Workforce Development in Idaho
The State Library of North Carolina provided staff training workshops on job-related resources and built a wiki-based state-wide resource center for staff and patrons.
Quotes from participating library staff:
“There are many patrons that do not know where to begin or how to use the computers…I was introduced to other helpful resources that…will certainly assist them in locating and hopefully obtaining a job. The job search toolkit is definitely a user-friendly tool that can be accessed easily.”
“We will definitely start directing folks to the many resources available at our JobLinkCareer Center; we did not even know they existed prior to this workshop.”
“I will be showing the rest of the staff the Job Search Toolkit and recommending websites for different needs. I will also be creating handouts. Our system has already placed the Job Search Toolkit on our webpage.”
“I came away with 17 action points...things I need to do right now…”
source: State Library of North Carolina Job Search Workshops
The Vermont Department of Libraries delivered training for library staff in the form of workshops entitled In these Challenging Times: Finding a Job, Starting a Business. Participants commented:
"I want to make the information known. We plan to put out a press release highlighting that our library has info/help on unemployment and starting a business.”
"The unemployment segment was very helpful; I learned a lot about the process and even found out there's an unemployment office in our town (so far, no one I've asked in this town had ever heard of it either!)."
" We shall now send people to the Department of Labor Center. They have the staff and know-how to really provide the help and to take all the time needed -something we don't have.”
source: Vermont Libraries in Challenging Times
- Category 1: "I found a job!"
- Category 2: Great tools and services
- Category 3: Observations of library staff and workforce agencies
Category 1: "I found a job!"
Cynthia Cameron at the Shreveport Memorial Library (LA) reports:
“We had a patron who had been out of work for a very long time and he was basically computer illiterate and was having trouble looking for jobs. We helped get him on the computer and showed him a few job search websites. He came in daily and practiced signing on to the computer, checking his email and searching for jobs. After several weeks, he was able to finally get a job. He thanked us all profusely as he had not only found a job, but had also become computer literate, which he had once thought was impossible.”
Marianne Lohrmann at the Geauga County Public Library (OH) reports:
“At the beginning of the recession a patron came to the library to use the public computers to assist in his employment search. As the weeks went by we helped him locate resources through data bases and also assisted him in brushing up on the skills necessary to complete online applications and attaching resumes to email. After several weeks he raved about the great service he'd received at the library, especially after he found a job. We were happy for him but sorry for ourselves because he was moving across the country. It's difficult saying good-bye to a happy patron!”
Tennessee Public Libraries provide training, support, and tools for job-seekers.
"Please allow me to express my most heart-felt thanks for all the library has done for me and for all the citizens of the area. I have recently been able to publish an article in an on-line magazine, and I have been able to secure employment. These things would not have been possible without the services of the library and the people who work so hard to provide them."
From a Linebaugh Public Library patron
source: Tennessee Public Libraries: A Critical Resource for Job Seekers
“When I lost my job, the library was the only place I could go and not be judged. I would come to the [Fayetteville] library and … focus on what I really wanted to become… My favorite thing about the library is the staff because they are very helpful.” --a writer
source: Arkansas Libraries: Working to RAISE Employment
Quotes from Maine Libraries Snapshot Day
“The free computer access was instrumental in finding my new job!”
“The computer lab is a good place for me to refresh my resume, find information, and fill out job applications.”
“I am unemployed and am unable to afford Internet access at this time. Having the ability to use the library for this purpose has provided me with a temporary position with the possibility of permanent placement”
source: Maine Answers Tough Times
Jamie Matczak from the Nicolet Federated Library System (WI) shares this story:
I work for a library system, so I don't get a lot of interaction with patrons. I do volunteer (when I can) for my neighborhood library, usually helping patrons with using the internet or laptop basics.
On Tuesday, I helped a woman named Rita. She is a retired widow, age 75. She had never used a computer or the internet before, but she wanted some part-time work at the local Kwik Trip. When she went to the job fair at Kwik Trip, they gave her a newspaper clipping with a web address and told her to apply online. She told them she didn't know how to use a computer, and the Kwik Trip folks told her to "go to the library. They will help you."
She was very nervous and quiet. Because of a medical condition, her hands shake. She kept apologizing for this, and I said, "no problem, let's work on your application." She did not have an email address, so I set up a Gmail account for her. Her work experience prior to retiring was working for our Norbertine Center in town, which we also call The Abbey. She was a cook for 20 years. Most days she would cook and clean for 40 priests/fathers, two meals a day. On weekends, she would cook for up to 100 of them, and sometimes she only had one other person helping her.
We started working on her application. I had never worked with someone who had zero computer experience, so this was new for me, too. Because she had never used a computer and did not have familiarity with the keyboard, I did all the typing. We probably would've been there for hours if I had let her, so in the interest of time, she dictated and I typed. I told her that we could set up separate sessions for going over email, the mouse, computer basics, etc. We worked through the application. Rita was never late for work in the 20 years she worked at the center. She had a clean record and was willing to work any hours.
When we got to the section of "other skills," she said she didn't have any. Then she said, "Well, my husband and I did own a restaurant, but that was 20 years ago."
I said, "how long did you own this restaurant?"
"About 30 years," she said.
"Rita!" I said. "You owned your own business? Did you supervise? Manage? Do payroll? Those are all great, valid skills!"
She confirmed that she did all of that, without a computer of course, but she still knows those things.
It took us close to an hour to finish, which is how long my sessions usually run. We we finished, she started getting out her wallet and asked what I charge. I told her nothing. This was something I do as a volunteer, and it's what libraries are all about. Then she asked if she could give me a tip! I laughed and said "no." She had tears in her eyes and said "thank you" about 20 times. I told her she could let the staff know when she wanted to meet again, and I would help her with other things.
I started tearing up on my walk home. It was definitely one of those "ah ha!" moments for me. It made me grateful for the skills I had and happy that I could help someone else. I really hope I can help her more, and it would be awesome if she got this job.
Pat Jarvis at the South San Francisco Public Library (CA) tells a story about the library's support for an entrepreneur:
Dina is a Project Read adult learner and success story. She lives with her husband and school-age son. Her literacy goals are to improve her reading, writing and speaking skills in order to enhance her job performance.
She started out as an entry level restaurant worker and has gradually advanced to the level of manager. She is very motivated to improve her family’s financial life. Dina enrolled in our financial management program with the goal of starting her own business. We matched her with a coach who has small business expertise. With the assistance of her coach, Dina identified freedom as the main value which motivates her to work towards her goal of entrepreneurship.
She opened a small business Individual Development Account with one of our partnering agencies, saved $2,000 which was then matched with a $4,000 grant. Dina worked with her coach to write a business plan, file a fictitious business name, get her business license, and negotiate and sign a one year business lease. Dina is now a business owner!
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners initiated "Libraries for Job Seekers" efforts to train library staff and enable Massachusetts residents to be "better prepared to meet life's challenges." The following stories resulted from these efforts.
"I was laid off in mid-November and therefore was forced to enter into the job search market. I read in the newspaper of the job fair at your library and made a decision to visit and take advantage of the resources available. As part of this visit I also had the opportunity to sit with a counselor named Ben and have my resume critiques. That experience combined with several books that you had displayed on the topic of job search really helped me redesign my resume. From mid-November to mid-January I had five job interviews. Some wet well, others not so good, but I certainly learned from each experience. I finally was offered a position that I was interested in, but I was not satisfied with the base salary. I went back to your library and read through a reference book that talked about negotiating salary which I found extremely helpful. Using techniques directly from that book I was able to successfully negotiate an additional $10K in base salary and landed the job.
I want to thank the library staff for their assistance and for having this program available to the public. I would certainly credit the program for helping me rejoin the workforce, which was no easy task given these difficult economic times." (library patron in Southeastern Massachusetts)
A librarian in Northeastern Massachusetts reports this story about a patron:
"Last year, the public service staff noticed the same man in the library every day. He spent time using our computers to search job listings, read newspapers, and check out materials. He always acknowledged staff and exchanged pleasantries but staff knew nothing about him. During the winter, he came in one day to say he had gone back to work, and he gave the library a check for $500 in gratitude for the role the library had played in his life. He had lost his wife and his job in close proximity, and the library became his refuge. He found a place that was comfortable, filled with people, and he felt less alone. In his words, the money was a "small thank you for helping me make it through the storm.'"
A librarian in Central Massachusetts reports this story:
"Our library's access to the internet has helped many people in their job searches. However, one sticks out:
A gentleman came into the library one afternoon about an hour before closing. he had been in the military for several years and had worked all of this life. He was laid off and out of work. He went to apply for an advertised management position at a fast food restaurant chain. He was told that all preliminary applications had to be made online.
He came to the library. he did not have much of any experience with computers and didn't have time to learn for this job application. He asked for help. We got him onto the internet. He started filling out the application at the website address he had. At some point, he called me over, because he didn't understand a pop-up. He was totally in the wrong site and had personal information typed in already. I erased his information and found the correct for him. Time was running short --we would be closing. I offered to type for him if he didn't mind. We finished, hit send and a list of 35 questions on management style came up that had to completed in order to apply for the position. It was 5 minutes until closing. Here was a capable man, beside himself with frustration at not being able to do this simple task because of his lack of computer skills. I told him that I would stay over to help him finish the questionnaire. He was very grateful.
One week later, he came into the library a very happy man --he had the job! And he was going to take computer classes."
A Metrowest Massachusetts librarian shares this story:
"A patron who lives locally came to our library's Literacy Project drop-in resume clinic. The library staff helped him get a library card and also pointed him downstairs for help on his resume and job hunting.
He is an army veteran and was also a hairdresser for 20 years but was laid off in December 2008. He was very eager to get back to work but didn't have any computer skills to know how to do on-line applications; he also had no email address and knew nothing about using email.
Two wonderful Literacy Project volunteers, Dena and Mary, bring a phenomenal amount of patience and expertise to the resume and job hunting clinic. They have worked in human resources and library administration; they also bring brilliant people skills that enable them to inject hope into the patrons who come for help. They treat each patron with deep respect, and help each create stunning and clear resumes that highlight skills and strengths.
On Wednesday out friend came in for assistance with his job hunting. He met with the volunteers for about an hour and left with a professional grade resume that he could keep and access--both digitally and on paper. He also left with an email address and a rudimentary sense of how to use it for job hunting. The volunteers helped him create this resume and then send it to lots of jobs, highlighting his veteran status and his successful work history.
On Thursday he got a cal and was interviewed for a job. He was hired.
On Saturday morning he walked into the Literacy Project room 'so excited I can't sit down.' He feels extremely optimistic that his job will be his 'foot in the door' and that 'it will snowball'--that it will lead to a great future."
source: Massachusetts Library Services for Job Seekers
Category 2: Great tools and services
Delaware Libraries Community Resources Exchange solicited 123 agencies to contribute to an ongoing online exchange of resources, events, and opportunities related to alleviating the effects of the economic crisis.
“The brilliance of this program lies in its simplicity.” Governor Jack Markell
“Boy, this group is great! In the short time I have been receiving the e-mails I have heard about lots of events that are new to me...and I thought I knew about most of the human services happenings around the state! Thanks!”
“Just want to say thank you for such a useful tool. The listserv has been an important resource to both receive and send information.”
source: Delaware's Community Resource Exchange Program
Florida libraries partnered with One-Stop Career Centers to familiarize patrons with library and community employment resources and provide training on navigating the the Employ Florida database and completing online applications.
“New to the State, enjoyed the class, received a lot of useful info."
“Thank you…very informative…used the laptops…hope the grant will continue-it is a very needed service”
“Definitely has given me hope”
source: Florida Libraries Collaborating with One-Stop Career Centers
Michigan State Library developed a MeL (Michigan eLibrary) Business and Jobs Gateway site:
"I just learned about your site at the 'Creating Entrepreneurial Communities' conference this past Wednesday. I am IN LOVE! Thankyouthankyouthankyou! I will spread the gospel - you guys ROCK!"
source: Library of Michigan Response to Workforce Needs
Montana State Library purchased state-wide database licenses to enhance equal and remote access and provide employment resources. Comments from patrons include:
"Great to be able to study for my GED online from home."
"The resume builder makes this a lot easier than I remember it to be."
"I didn’t know there were that many careers to choose from. Where do I begin?"
source: Montana State Library Project Compass Snapshot
The New Jersey State Library has been collecting stories about the variety of ways the library impacts the lives of community members. Here are two stories about job help:
"I have lost my Job as main breadwinner for my family due to mergers and cutbacks. We have lost over 2/3'rds of our income while our property taxes and energy costs have jumped. No vacation this year, no more buying anything that is not on sale. We never go out to dinner or a movie, and no purchases are being made in any non-essentials. Our library has helped my wife tremendously in researching graduate schools, and for me in researching companies (using Reference USA) that I feel I could help."
"I lost my job last year so the sacrifices are many. I can not afford to pay for the services my local library and other nearby libraries are providing. While I am out of work I have been doing volunteer work to stay active in my community. My family has basically cut out every luxury and we are now falling behind on our bills. Without the library services my job search will be severely hindered. I attend many job search related networking groups sponsored by the libraries in the area including county libraries."
source: Stories From Everyday Champions
Category 3: Observations of library staff and workforce agencies
Jefferson County Public Library’s E-Train from the Colorado State Library
“(The E-Train) helps to bridge the ‘digital divide’ by bringing computers to folks who may not own one, by helping them learn new job skills and employment strategies, and by helping them access the wealth of information provided by the Internet.” Stacy McKenzie
source: Colorado: State and Local Libraries Providing Direction in Tough Times
The Idaho Commission For Libraries collaborated with the Idaho Department of Labor to make the Career Information System (CIS) available through libraries. The program included training for library staff to help patrons utilize the career development resources.
“In stressed and challenged communities, the public library serves as a resource where people of all ages take part in their community and access information that can improve their life circumstances.” – Alyce Kelley, Director, Emmett Public Library
“I have assisted about 10 people with this website who have been seeking employment. The last group was a group of three older women who were looking for work and they all left with some idea of where they would be going and a hope for their future. This is a great website! I am having another training on May 20th.” - Linda Henderson Buhl Public Library
“Computer access at the libraries is a key component for the sustainability of our rural communities, as a place where people can go for government information, for home-work assignments, for doing their business and banking, for keeping in touch with the troops overseas, for job search, training on using computers and the skills needed for the 21st Century.” - Mike Field, Idaho Rural Partnership
source: Partnering for Workforce Development in Idaho
The State Library of North Carolina provided staff training workshops on job-related resources and built a wiki-based state-wide resource center for staff and patrons.
Quotes from participating library staff:
“There are many patrons that do not know where to begin or how to use the computers…I was introduced to other helpful resources that…will certainly assist them in locating and hopefully obtaining a job. The job search toolkit is definitely a user-friendly tool that can be accessed easily.”
“We will definitely start directing folks to the many resources available at our JobLinkCareer Center; we did not even know they existed prior to this workshop.”
“I will be showing the rest of the staff the Job Search Toolkit and recommending websites for different needs. I will also be creating handouts. Our system has already placed the Job Search Toolkit on our webpage.”
“I came away with 17 action points...things I need to do right now…”
source: State Library of North Carolina Job Search Workshops
The Vermont Department of Libraries delivered training for library staff in the form of workshops entitled In these Challenging Times: Finding a Job, Starting a Business. Participants commented:
"I want to make the information known. We plan to put out a press release highlighting that our library has info/help on unemployment and starting a business.”
"The unemployment segment was very helpful; I learned a lot about the process and even found out there's an unemployment office in our town (so far, no one I've asked in this town had ever heard of it either!)."
" We shall now send people to the Department of Labor Center. They have the staff and know-how to really provide the help and to take all the time needed -something we don't have.”
source: Vermont Libraries in Challenging Times
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