Jobs and Workforce Recovery: Libraries Helping Individuals and Communities

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Course Instructor: Dana Lee

By invitation only through Project Compass.

(An Infopeople Online Learning Course)
Tuesday September 14, 2010 – Monday October 11, 2010

Start Time: Pacific Time - Noon, Mountain Time - 1:00 PM, Central Time - 2:00 PM, Eastern Time - 3:00 PM

"National jobless rate remains high at 9.7%...Thirty-one states post unemployment rate increases from a year ago…Job loss takes a toll on mental health…Almost 17% of Americans are under-employed, working fewer hours than they'd like."

These are headlines we see in newspapers and other media almost daily. How are economic uncertainty and unemployment affecting libraries?

  • Are you seeing stressed people who need help with the job search process?
  • Have you noticed an increase in computer use by people applying for jobs or filing for unemployment?
  • Are you and other staff spending more time helping people who are anxious about resumes, cover letters, and interviews?
  • Do library users need more referrals to social service agencies?

Learn what libraries can do to help individuals and communities with job seeking and workforce recovery. Armed with an understanding of the job search process and the needs of the unemployed and under-employed, you will be able to identify the best possible resources inside and outside the library. As a result, you will be able to provide more effective and responsive library service during these difficult economic times.

Course Description: This online course will give you the knowledge and skills needed to help library users who are unemployed or under-employed. You will be reading case studies, completing assignments, and participating in online discussions. By understanding the stages of the job search process, and the needs of the unemployed, you will be able to proactively identify resources in the library and in the community. Experienced employment counselor Dana Lee will provide resources and practical tips that you can use immediately with job seekers, empowering them to take ownership of the process as they prepare, research, apply, and interview for jobs. Learners will explore print, web, and community resources for job seekers, as well as workshops on job-hunting skills and related topics.

Preliminary Course Outline: Using your web browser and your Internet connection, you will log in to the Infopeople online learning site and complete the following learning modules:

  • Module 1: Understanding Job Loss and Job Search
    • Overview of the stages of the job search process
    • Understanding the issues and feelings
    • Appropriate resources for each stage of the process
  • Module 2: In the Library: Collections, Resources and Potential Obstacles
    • Resources for job seekers in the library
    • Capacity of library staff and volunteers to facilitate workshops and provide computer coaching
    • Guidelines regarding the use of public access computers to better serve the needs of job seekers
    • Template to create a pathfinder for job seekers
  • Module 3: Identifying Resources in the Community
    • Ideas gained by exploring websites created by other libraries
    • Triage with employment and social service resources in your community
    • Developing win-win partnerships with community organizations
    • Topics for workshops that could be facilitated through community partnerships
  • Module 4: Promoting the Library's Resources and Programs
    • Proactive networking in the community
    • Raising awareness of the library's resources and programs
    • Sharing ideas on promoting the library resources and programs for job seekers
    • Develop an implementation plan for promotion

Time required: To complete this course, you can expect to spend 2 hours per week. You can work on each module at your own pace, at any hour of the day or night. However, it is recommended that you complete each week's assignments within that week to stay in sync with other learners.

Who should attend: By invitation only through Project Compass. Project Compass is an IMLS grant funded one-year initiative that is working with state libraries in support of public libraries’ efforts to meet the urgent and growing demands of communities as they struggle with job loss and the needs of the unemployed. Participants are designated staff members from state libraries. Please do not attempt to register unless you are a Project Compass participant and have received an invitation from Betha Gutsche of WebJunction.

Infopeople will schedule another open registration session of this course later in the year.

Online Learning Details and System Requirements may be found at
http://www.infopeople.org/training/learning_details.html.

Course Start: This 4-week-long online learning course starts on Tuesday September 14, 2010.

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Available for contracting: 
No