Employability is key to libraries as they continue to diversify their services to include career services to meet the job seeking needs of community members. In fulfilling this crucial role, public libraries face challenges in providing career services for their community members. This dissertation probed and sought ways to continuously improve…

"Special Libraries, Special Challenges" is a column dedicated to exploring the unique public services challenges that arise in libraries that specialize in a particular subject, such as law, medicine, business, and so forth. In each column, the author will discuss public service dilemmas and opportunities that arise in special libraries.…

Libraries should stock their shelves with this practical guide to assist patrons in the search for their next great job. This Library How-To Handbook includes expert advice on the most effective ways to: (1) Conduct proper research; (2) Build networks of friends and colleagues; (3) Create a strong resume and cover letter; (4) Prepare for an…

The current recession has hit American workers hard. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ten percent of the U.S. workforce is unemployed (as of November 2009), the highest rate since April 1983. In addition, the labor market is experiencing record rates in the length of time job hunters remain unemployed, while companies receive hundreds…

According to the 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy, it is estimated that 93 million adults in the United States have basic or below basic literacy skills. Those individuals found most lacking in literacy skills were adults living in poverty, adults lacking a high school diploma, seniors and the elderly aged 65 and older, the more than one…

Fewer employees, shorter hours, diminished collection budgets, reduced programs and services--all at a time of record library usage. In this book, library expert Carol Smallwood demonstrates that despite the obvious downsides, the necessity of doing business differently can be positive, leading to partnering, sharing, and innovating. This…

Some faculty and administrators naively believe that undergraduates come to campus as information literate individuals since these students know how to use computers and the Internet. Yet, as librarians, they know that there is more to IL than surfing search engines, IMing, and word processing. So marketing IL becomes a very important task. This…

Describes the use of CD-ROM products containing company and industrial information for job searches and career planning. Examples of potential applications are provided, and search capabilities are examined. Brief descriptions of several products are presented, including a database of Security and Exchange Commission filings, Disclosure, Lotus One…

Describes informational programs within public libraries throughout New York State which provide information and referral services to patrons seeking educational or job opportunities. Sponsored by state employment and educational agencies, more than 20 library systems help people to use information to enhance their lives. Five references are…

Using a broad definition of literacy as the skills needed to function effectively in society, the public library's role in providing job information is described. Specific examples of services providing career choice or change information, job-hunting skills, and career development skills in a number of public libraries are provided. (EM)

A study was conducted to assess client reaction to key activities of the Lifelong Learning Center (LLC) of the Free Library of Philadelphia and to identify particular patterns of client interest. A survey was developed to determine (1) clients' satisfaction with accessibility of services, quality of interaction with staff, and information…

Career counseling is a particularly critical need for blue collar men, displaced workers from the declining industries of manufacturing. This article uses developmental theory based on the model of adult development of Daniel Levinson (1978), "Seasons of a Man's Life," to discuss the difficulty of blue collar men in attaining developmental…

Reports on a study of the awareness, use, and diffusion of job information in a low-income population as a test of diffusion theory. A review of the literature is included and major models are reexamined with information rather than technology as the innovation. Implications for librarians are discussed. (EM)

This book highlights techniques that can be implemented to build library collections on jobs and careers. The authors explore demographic and economic changes that influence the job market and the future of the workforce. They also examine how resources have shifted from books to collections incorporating Web pages, CD-ROMs, and audiovisual…

Developing an Internet local job resource collection to expand library services to jobseekers utilizes librarian expertise in the evaluation, selection, and presentation of resources. This article provides Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) and descriptions for online resource guides containing job information, resume services, recruiting sites, job…