U.S. Dept. of Labor (DOL) Endorses Partnership with Libraries

I attended a session at the ALA Conference on June 25, at which the U.S. Dept. of Labor (DOL) endorsed libraries as critical intermediaries in achieving DOL goals with their customers. Linda Strong, JobLink Manager NC Commission on Workforce Development, described how the North Carolina partnership with the local Onestop Workforce Development Center and the library system provides another portal to workforce service delivery. They stress that library hours allow customers to access better and more technology than what is available at the DOL Onestop center (which also may not be as close to their home as the library). This partnership is extremely timely, given the increased number of job hunters that are visiting our libraries due to the downturn in the economy. Library partners are empowered to direct folks to services, help them access online resources, and refer to the closest Onestop center and Joblink resources. Local workforce area and onestop staff have embraced their library colleagues as extension of Onesotp and Joblink system. What is happening in your library? Are you seeing an increase in job hunting customers? What are your challenges in helping them? Have you tried partnering with and referring to your area Department of Labor colleagues? Click on Comment below to share your thoughts…Thanks, Mary Jo