PROJECT COMPASS: Libraries lead the workforce for the 21st Century
Ideas from Orlando, May 16, 2011
IDEA GENERATORS FROM ORLANDO
1.
Provide a resume “template” for computer users.
2.
Offer a list of websites that may be helpful.
3.
Create a small package of tips, including websites and other resources, to give the
customer – “help in a nutshell.” Have subject headings like “How to build a resume” and
“Interviewing tips” – provide a few bullet points of information and then sites for
additional in-depth information.
4.
Create a “free” library for different resources such as jobs, health, literacy, and finances.
5.
Create a checklist or flow chart for steps for the unemployed: file for unemployment, get
help with basic computer skills, obtain an email address, visit Career Central.
“Unemployed? Here’s What to Do.”
6.
Provide a job resource table for those entering the library who may not want to speak
with library staff. Have them sign in and leave their email addresses so that we can
contact them with new resources. Use a step-by-step process to help them go from
jobless to job rich!
7.
Post your success stories and progress on Florida’s WebJunction co-hort.
8.
Make use of teen volunteers – computer help, etc.
9.
Sponsor a “prime time for job seekers” session.
10.
Conduct a 4-week series for job seekers: analysis, resume, interviewing, etc.
11.
Help patrons “Prepare for the storm before it comes” with workshops: monthly
budgeting, joining an investment group, understanding money.
12.
Brainstorm to understand “A day in the life of a job seeker.”
13.
Understand the ins and outs of our Workforce board.
14.
Educate yourself on who is the local “expert” on resumes, computer applications, etc.
15.
Make sure staff members are approachable and knowledgeable.
16.
Know your community’s needs and wants.
17.
Market the library to local businesses.
18.
Support local businesses by buying locally – less globally.
19.
Make waves in your neighborhood!
20.
Give staff ways to experience “compassion relief” to help them with “compassion
fatigue.”
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PROJECT COMPASS: Libraries lead the workforce for the 21st Century
Ideas from Orlando, May 16, 2011
21.
Network with local office of economic development.
22.
Use databases effectively – Reference USA, Demographics Now, etc.
23.
Visit businesses to tell them what our library offers.
24.
Talk to Rotary and Chamber to tell them what we can do to help small businesses and
others. Provide a listing of classes and seminars such as SCORE, Adult Ed, Career
Central, GED classes, co-op extension services, etc.
25.
Try to secure laptops for resume classes.
26.
Help patrons understand the use of “user names” and “passwords.”
27.
Research and provide to all patrons a “Made in Florida” company list.
28.
Create a display showing government sites to which patrons can apply for help.
29.
Schedule a monthly “job seeker” class.
30.
Keep an on-going list of helpful websites such as pparx.com
31.
Sponsor a Chamber “book discussion group” on the hottest business book of the
quarter.
32.
Provide a separate “senior center for finance” section.
33.
Contact the Department of Elder Affairs to get information on caregiving.
34.
Host a small business fair.
35.
Make or buy a video on interviewing skills.
36.
Hold a “technology petting zoo.”
37.
Check policy and get permission to promote our local businesses.
38.
Push out resources to Chamber and membership list.
39.
Create a checklist of helpful ideas for small businesses.
40.
Have small businesses sponsor the summer reading program – a different business
each week.
41.
Create a basic needs list with resources on how to fill those needs (food, lights,
mortgage, workshops, resume help, unemployment compensation).
42.
Develop and update a listing of small businesses in the area.
43.
Be a lunchtime speaker for Chambers and local clubs.
44.
Make sure small businesses are connecting with the Chamber.
45.
Ask employed patrons if their business is hiring.
46.
Help patrons edit their resumes.
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PROJECT COMPASS: Libraries lead the workforce for the 21st Century
Ideas from Orlando, May 16, 2011
47.
Enlist the unemployed as volunteers.
48.
Host a workshop presented by a consumer credit counseling group –
make sure they are not “selling” anything.
49.
Promote the free site www.handsonbanking.org from Wells Fargo.
50.
Provide a universal USB for each – to print resume for free resume review.
51.
Create an automatic link to the state library.
52.
Establish one kiosk designated for government services – include “Right Service at the
Right Time” information.
53.
Create job pathways for patrons.
54.
Help with skills assessment one on one.
55.
Go to small colleges around graduation time and hand out library materials and
information about ‘Dollars from Sense.”
56.
Hold a “Library Finance Seminar” where a financial advisor talks to them about getting
finances ready for retirement.
57.
“Share a coupon – or 2!” Make people aware of Angel Food Ministries.
58.
Checklist/bookmark of websites.
59.
Sponsor a small business club.
60.
Create a small rolodex of local small businesses – hold a small business expo.
61.
Help small businesses by educating them on free business training online.
62.
Ask small businesses to help us by volunteering their time 1 hour a week to help others
with their resumes.
63.
Offer a “Get linked in with LinkedIn” class to show job seekers how to use social
networking to find a job.
64.
Promote www.floridaprosperitypartnership.org
65.
Find someone who could conduct a “compassion fatigue” workshop for jobseekers’
families to offer support to the affected family members.
66.
Offer 1-on-1 consultations at the library.
67.
Post an application form so libraries can download it and give it to job seekers to fill out.
Even if local companies won’t accept it, the job seeker has all the info they need to
complete any application a company might require.
68.
Provide ideas for job seekers who need child care while looking for a job.
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PROJECT COMPASS: Libraries lead the workforce for the 21st Century
Ideas from Orlando, May 16, 2011
69.
Use interns to assist patrons to supplement the “lack of bodies.”
70.
Solicit members of Kiwanis, Rotary, Elks, Lions Club, etc., to serve as
volunteers to review resumes.
71.
Teach patrons to build their resumes on docs.google.com to make sure they have
access anywhere they can get on a computer.
72.
Create signage to “Support Our Local Businesses.”
73.
Establish a “business resource book club” to help small businesses.
74.
Create a “discussion group” based on Dave Ramsey’s debt reduction plan.
75.
Contact the Area Agency on Aging for Central Florida to find out what programs they
might be able to offer (www.seniorresourcealliance.org).
76.
Have a lawyer who specializes in elder services present a workshop.
77.
Talk to local HR people to find out what they want to see on a resume.
78.
Establish a “job board.”
79.
Coach patrons on making sure their email addresses are professional and that their
Facebook presence is “clean.”
80.
Advise patrons to check their credit reports at www.annualcreditreport.com – many
employers are checking credit as part of their search for employees.
81.
Make sure you develop relationships with local media to continually promote the value
of your library.
82.
Create a mailing list for patrons who would like to be notified regarding events, new
books, articles, etc.
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