Jobs and Workforce Recovery: Libraries Helping Individuals and Communities

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Format: Online

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Fee: Free for those in the California library community, $75 for Infopeople Partners, $150 for all others.

(An Infopeople Online Learning Course)
Tuesday November 9, 2010 – Monday December 6, 2010
 

"California’s jobless rate remains unchanged at 12.3%...Fourteen states post unemployment rate increases from a year ago…Job loss takes a toll on mental health…Almost 20% 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 your library?

  • 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 your library. As a result, you will be able to provide more effective and responsive library service during these difficult economic times.

Those who took this course in May, 2010, commented that it was “extremely helpful and informative,” "so relevant given the current economic climate," and "there were many examples of practical things that I can use at my library."

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.

On November 30, Kitty Yancheff, public service division manager for Humboldt County Library, will be a guest presenter during an online meeting on how libraries can triage with social service providers.

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
    • Types of job seekers and their needs
  • 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
    • Developing win-win partnerships with community organizations
    • Topics for workshops that could be facilitated through community partnerships
    • Ideas gained by exploring websites created by other libraries
    • Triage with employment and social service resources in your community
  • 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

Time required: To complete this course, you can expect to spend two hours per week, for a total of eight course hours. Each week's module contains readings and various optional assignments, discussions, interviews, and online meetings. You can choose the options most relevant to your work and interests. Although you can work on each module at your own pace, at any hour of the day or night, it is recommended that you complete each week's work within that week to stay in sync with other learners.

Who Should Take This Course: This course is relevant for any library staff assisting users who are unemployed or under-employed.

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, November 9, 2010.

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Available for contracting: 
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