Laserfiche WebLink
• <br /> Targeted Competitive Grants <br /> 2010 Renew Washington Grant Application (16 <br /> computer,class size is limited to 8 people.Though these classes have a positive impact,current library <br /> staffing conditions make it impossible to offer courses at other times,such as on evenings and weekend --- <br /> when greater numbers of the job-seeking and/or technologically disadvantaged population could be readied. <br /> • <br /> We have also created on online directory of career and job-related resources and highlighted its presence oh <br /> our website,epls.org; it has been accessed almost 600 times in the 2 months since its launch. We are in the <br /> process of applying to become a connection site with WorkSource.This alliance will probably result in more <br /> people coming to use library job-related resources, especially since the library is open more hours than <br /> WorkSouroe. <br /> 4. Describe the solution. How does this solution alleviate or resolve the existing <br /> situation previously described? Why is this solution the best approach? (No <br /> more than 1 page) <br /> This question is worth 20 points. Consider the following items in responding to <br /> question 4: <br /> • What is proposed to resolve the problem, alleviate the need, or take <br /> advantage of the opportunity? <br /> • What are the specific benefits of using this solution? <br /> • Who will implement the project and what are the qualifications of the <br /> vendors, consultants, and/or staff who will do the proposed work? <br /> • Will you collaborate with another library or a community organization? If yes, <br /> describe the nature of the partnership. <br /> • How does the solution proposed in this application compare with similar <br /> measures taken by other libraries, throughout the state and the nation, <br /> dealing with hard times? . . . <br /> The library staff has observed,along with the increase in persons visiting the library for job-seeking • <br /> purposes,that few of them have the necessary technological skills to create effective resumes and apply for <br /> jobs in what has become an increasingly online process. Because these are job-seekers,they are most often <br /> seeking to create a resume. <br /> Similarly,job-seekers or career-changers who visit the library are often in need of the sort of in-depth, more <br /> lengthy instruction and assistance in using other technologies that are critical to their employability such as <br /> finding, responding or applying to job listings online, creating.an email account and attaching an electronic <br /> resume, and learning to use MS Word or Excel to increase job skills.This\in-depth,on-demand need'can be <br /> alleviated through the hiring of a qualified sub-contractor to be available in the library as the demand occurs. <br /> In addition to providing ad-hoc instruction,the library would like to enhance the classroom curriculum it <br /> already offers by hiring a qualified sub-contractor to conduct workshops and computer classes specially <br /> designed for the technologically disadvantaged and/or unemployed.These would include(but not be limited <br /> to)basic and advanced computer instruction,online job seeking, resume creation,interviewing skills, and <br /> workplace skills assessment. <br /> Other libraries in the surrounding area and beyond have taken similar measures such as offering access to <br /> software and by designing computer classes and workshops designed for the newly unemployed. However, <br /> like the Everett Public Library, most libraries are not able to offer a full compliment of on-demand help or on- <br /> going workshops and classes scheduled during a wide-range of convenient time slots. <br /> We have begun developing a partnership with WorkSource, and are in the probationary stage of becoming a <br /> connecting site.This should help raise awareness of the resources available for jobseekers at the library. It <br /> may lead to additional employment workshops taught at the library by WorkSource employees, but that is <br /> dependent on whether WorkSource receives funding for additional staff. <br /> The library has administrative staff available to seek, interview, hire and orient a qualified sub-contractor for <br /> the purposes listed above.The library already has a wireless laptop computer lab, originally funded by an <br /> LSTA grant, and an appropriate classroom. <br /> 6of13 57 <br />