Lisa M. Shaw, Maine State Library

Libraries Strengthening the Talent Pipeline Public Library Association Conference 2018 Philadelphia, PA Representing LibsWork today: Shirley Biladeau, Idaho Commission for Libraries Elizabeth Iaukea, Washington State Library Andrea Simzak Levandowski, New Jersey State Library Lisa M. Shaw, Maine State Library Tammy A. Westergard, Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records On screen as people come in

What is the role of libraries in workforce development What is the role of libraries in workforce development? What are the strengths and assets that libraries bring to workforce development and assisting jobseekers? Andrea asks the questions

Understanding the structure of the workforce development system will help us figure out where libraries can fit. What are some of the elements in workforce development that libraries should be aware of? Andrea asks the questions

Collaborating with other Workforce Development Partners Jobseeker Support Computers for job search/application & resume building Wifi Collection resources – job search/resume (books and video) Digital literacy support Online learning and Adult Basic Education (math, EL, ELL) Career Exploration Jobseeker workshops and computer classes STEM programming/career exploration Facilitating career fairs in the community Be their research team – they need data! The Role of Libraries and Library Staff: Library spaces are open after hours and on the weekends most with high speed Internet access and technology Libraries are trusted places, they are not considered places of the government, but the place of the people. As such, the ability for a library staffer to engage with people, understand their information needs and facilitate research (both self-guided and with support), provide instruction and more, is why the public library is the key partner as the “on-ramp” to workforce development Full range of patrons, including underserved populations, who generally speaking are information seeking; While some efforts are more sophisticated than others, library professionals track Public Library Survey data which can assist in strategic communications with target groups, especially when coupled with specific census block data Libraries have ability to provide follow-on support to patrons who start exploring new careers and opportunities – librarians have always been go-to people in getting resume and job application support. The Strengths and Assets the Libraries bring to workforce Development and Assisting Jobseekers Workforce development librarians help build career literacy and navigation skills by drawing connections between formal education institutions, training and certification systems and the careers they fuel. With this kind of reference service, people better understand exactly how their career choices will translate into fulfilling and gainful employment. Librarians can arm patrons with good information to connect them to real time training and employment opportunities that lead to employment in a career, not just a job. Because state libraries have responsibility to deploy statewide LSTA programs and skin in the game for program success, this is a helpful amplifier to local initiatives. Setting libraries at the center of this solution reinforces the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) priorities. “Expand services for learning and access to information and educational resources in a variety of formats, in all types of libraries, for individuals of all ages in order to support such individuals' needs for education, lifelong learning, workforce development, and digital literacy skills.” Collaborating with other Workforce Development Partners

Connect with LibsWork Join us online via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/5226281798 2nd Tuesday of the month, from 11am – 12:30pm PST Join the listserv: Email ‘listmanager@list.statelib.wa.gov’ with “subscribe LIBSWORK” in the subject line. Andrea

“When the Mayor Calls: Answering the City’s Call for Support” Shares the theme of community engagement Working beyond library’s brick and mortar walls www.pps.org

Between Sessions… Quote from a volunteer with Got Your 6 PTSD Dogs: “So good to see this kind of inclusion in a conference center.”

“Voter Perception: Getting from Awareness to Funding 2018” https://www.oclc.org/research/awareness- to-funding-2018.html Far too many people do not know or understand how libraries are funded: “Institute for Museum and Libraries Services (IMLS) data shows that 86% of public library funding comes from local government sources;3 yet, 59% of voters think most library funding comes from non-local sources” Perception of library staff has declined. (See next slide)

“Sustaining Ideation with Progress not Perfection” Elevator Pitch: Have it. Know it. Use it.