Libraries Serving People in the Job Market

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

The Waukesha County Federated Library System (WCFLS) is comprised of 16 member libraries. In 2009, librarians and directors from member libraries identified serving residents who are facing employment challenges as a high priority. In response, the Waukesha County Federated Library System developed a project to promote and demonstrate the role of public libraries in addressing and meeting the needs of county residents to prepare for today’s job market. The Workforce Development Center and La Casa de Esperanza were project partners. WCFLS wrote an LSTA grant and obtained funding for Learning Express Library, an online subscription, which offers interactive courses and practice tests to help people improve job, computer and basic skills such as reading comprehension and mathematics. A Spanish language section is included. This online resource is accessible free from member libraries or from home with a member library card. Training and marketing were project components. Member libraries and area employment related agencies staff received training, newspapers received press releases, member libraries and area agencies received bookmarks and posters and a web paper with job-related resources was developed. While the total project cost was only $13,200, 1,438 usages were reported for online resources through December 2009. This averages to approximately 180 usages per month or 45 usages per week.