News & Views, November 2009 (mp3 file; 4.5 MB; 4:45 min.)Helping jobseekers; the power of simplicity; holiday storytime kits
Earlier this week I met with folks from Workforce Development for areas 13 and 14, to talk about how Workforce and libraries in the area might collaborate to help those who are looking for work. They are aware of what libraries are already doing, and are interested in helping with that, through a variety of means. I will be sending an e-mail to all of you with some specific questions and ideas, and some materials to review. The State Library and Workforce Development in Des Moines are planning a session on navigating the Workforce website, and in this area we're talking about an online meeting that will give you all a chance to talk with workforce staff in Council Bluffs and Creston, to find out what they might offer to you, and how libraries might further help job seekers, whether it be space for meetings or classes, or providing materials or referrals, or advertising for area classes and programs, or whatever else we all can think of together.
I know you are already doing a great deal for your patrons who are looking for work--helping them with computer literacy skills as they apply online, or getting e-mail addresses, or finding resources to help them with resumes and interviews, or starting a small business. Thank you for what you are doing for Iowans--you truly are a vital and essential part of your communities, in good times and in more difficult times. Keep up the good work, and let us know your ideas for how we might help you to do that good work.
Links from today's podcast:
Iowa Workforce Development website
