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Help! I Need a Job

Help! I Need a Job. Virginia Library Association Conference 27 September, 2013. Jan Marry Janet Curtis Penelope Hamblin. The need for a jobs program at the library Library resources supporting the jobs search Program activities Lessons learned. Overview.

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Help! I Need a Job

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  1. Help! I Need a Job Virginia Library Association Conference 27 September, 2013 Jan Marry Janet Curtis Penelope Hamblin

  2. The need for a jobs program at the library • Library resources supporting the jobs search • Program activities • Lessons learned Overview

  3. Unemployment will remain a dominant issue beyond present economic circumstances • Library users: • Are generally not aware of all that we offer • Require vastly different levels and type of service • Staff: • Have varying levels of jobhunting experience Why start a program?

  4. Types of queries: • Quick question, (e.g. formatting a date) • Resources to start or extend a job search • Help accessing/completing online applications • Referral (e.g. SNAP site) • We serve any member of the public who walks in the door • Many users clearly need help but will not ask Users’ Needs

  5. Tim Houlihan A formal program systematically addresses these issues.

  6. Meeting the Need Avoid “mission creep.” We don't get people jobs, rather we connect people with information and the skills to find and apply for jobs themselves.

  7. Adult Services Division Director enthusiastic and supportive • Adult Services MLIS librarians on the reference desk • Most adult services staff teach general computer skills classes • Three staff went to SNAP training through Peninsula Worklink • Useful training on Virginia Workforce Connection, https://www.vawc.virginia.gov Staff Resources

  8. Facilities • Free public computers • Computer classrooms at both locations Materials • Collection development • Books – remember niche areas • Online databases • RefUSA • Business Insights Physical Resources

  9. Bringing it Together—Services! Drop-in Job Help Classes Book a Librarian Website Listings and Literature

  10. Provides in-depth help • Trial schedule: Wednesday 5-7pm weekly • Rotates through most Adult Services staff • In a public area Drop-In Job Help

  11. Computer skills classes • Created two new classes in 2013 • Hints for Online Job Searching: Local Employers' Web Sites • Introduction to Virginia Workforce Connection • Challenges: • Attendance • Differing skill levels Classes

  12. Book a Librarian One-on-one help by appointment Existing program Promote the program in every class Users can sign up online or on paper

  13. Book a Librarian online form

  14. Provides a consistent starting point • Less is more! • Drupalmicrosite with quick tabs • Promotes WRL’s job help services • Links to local employers • Recommended free resume builder site ww.wrl.org/jobs New Jobs Resource Website

  15. Website: www.wrl.org/jobs

  16. Local job listings and job fair announcements • Slat wall display of flyers and pamphlets • Merchandising of employment-related books New Job Information Center

  17. Email lists: too much of a good thing?

  18. Branding – “Looking for a Good Job” • Library newsletter, web site and carousel • Pamphlets, fliers, bookmarks and posters everywhere in library and bookmobile • Local newspaper Bringing It Together--Marketing

  19. Job Search Workshops @ Your LibraryVirginia Workforce ConnectionCreate an account, start building a resume, and search for jobs. Monday Sept 16 11am-1pm Williamsburg Library  Hints for Online Job Searching How do you find the right website? Bring your own job search questions—we can work on them in class. Thursday Sept 12 5pm -7pm James City County Library To sign up ask at the reference desk or call 259-4050 Looking for a Good Job? Get Help @ Your Library! Hints for Online Job Searching How do you find an employer’s website? Bring your own job search questions and we will work on them in class. Monday July 15, 11am-1pm, Williamsburg Library Using Virginia Workforce Connection Learn how to create an account, start building a resume, and search for jobs. Thursday July 9, 6-8pm, James City County Library Ask at the reference desk or call 259-4050 to sign up

  20. Drop–In help promoted on Library home page

  21. Accost users with displays.

  22. Posting a flyer in the lobby is not enough.

  23. Restock regularly.

  24. Keep an eye on the placement of your marketing materials.

  25. Know local agencies—visit! • Cross promotion and publicity • Look for gaps where you can be useful • Get on mailing lists • Staff training; e.g., SNAP • Formal partnerships • Informal partnerships Bringing it Together—Community Liaison

  26. Large staff and administration commitment • Need help and buy-in of as many staff as possible • Include other departments • Staff training needed • Successes—How to measure • Drop in-job help? • Website—emphasize local • Liaison—cultivation • Asked to speak in local community • Future • Outside speakers • New classes What we learned

  27. QUESTIONS? Jan Marry jmarry@wrl.org Janet Curtis jcurtis@wrl.org Penelope Hamblin phamblin@wrl.org

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