Beyond Method #4: Employment 2.0

1. Take a look at the Finding Jobs page from the Texas Workskills Development in Libraries website. This site is packed with good resources for job hunters, from resume tips to workshop locations and dates. However, as implied by the very first page, computer knowledge is needed to navigate it. A lot of good instruction is provided here, and those with time on their hands between jobs could benefit from reviewing these instructions. At my library, we spend a lot of time one-on-one with individuals applying for jobs. Many who are laid off from basic jobs have not used computers at work, yet find themselves having to apply for new jobs online, including composing and attaching resumes or sending them by e-mail. I worry because this site and these workshops seemed to be linked to the library systems in Texas, and these have become vicitims of our devastating Texas budgets cuts. Probably the workshops will go away. Will anyone be left to manage the website? Another example of short-sited budget cuts in the worst of times for unemployment!
2. Take a look at the Goodwill Community Foundation’s Computer Basics page. Do you think that this would be helpful for patrons in learning to use the computer? Most people who need to use computers want to get hands-on and productive as soon as possible. They don't want to spend time on topics such as "Parts of the Laptop" or "Operating Systems." Most of these videos are too superficial and would not really give a total novice enough information to act on. Example: Three types of operating systems are listed, and the question is asked: "Which one is right for you?" Answer:  "It depends on your personal preferences." At our library, we are fortunate enough to have a computer lab and a paid employee and volunteers who teach ten basic classes in English and two in Spanish each week. They cover topics such as basic knowledge, e-mail, Internet, Word, Excel, social networks, etc.I know that individuals benefit more from this personalized instruction than they do from videos such as those on this site. We have many success stories to prove the value of these classes.
3. What do you think you could do at your library to help job seekers? Besides the classes described above, we have WorkSource seminars twice per month.that cover topics such as resume building, interviewing techniques, developing a network, etc. We provide access to the Job and Career Builder Accelerator database, and one of our librarians periodically teaches people how to use it. We also have useful job searching links highlighted on our library website.