Developing Career Resources in Public Libraries
Finding Financial Support
Funding
Don't go it alone
Grants
Grants are often a source of library funding and, although granters will probably have less to work with in this economic climate, career-help programs may be top priority. Some general resources to start with are the Annual register of grant support: a directory of funding sources or the Foundation Directory at fdncenter.org. The Foundation Center searches several databases for grant sources, but there is a membership cost. Some public libraries have agreements to offer the services to other public libraries for free (Find Funders, 2010).
The professional literature also sometimes contains RFPS (requests for proposals) or there may be a state government grant directory. One of the most important things to remember when applying for a grant is to specify what need is addressed and what segment of the population is affected (Lear, 2002). This is especially important when the need is something like career-help that impacts a wide segment of the community. Visit the Resources for Librarians page to find out where to get sample grant applications.
There are some organizations that traditionally award grants to libraries. The Institute of Library and Museum Services (IMLS) gives grants for three years. The Laura Bush 21st Century Library Program and the National Leadership Program may be the ones to apply under for providing career-help at the library (Available projects, by type, 2010). Instructions on how to apply are found online. The IMLS website also provides links to state resources and other grant opportunities.
"The mission of Staples Foundation for Learning is to provide funding to programs that support or provide job skills and/or education for all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth," (Guidelines for Grant Application, 2009). While the Staples Foundation may prefer to fund disadvantaged youth, their mission also supports adult education and specifically job skills. Their website does list several places they will not fund and that could affect a public library's application depending on who they are partnered with.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation does not fund unsolicited, individual library programs but they do fund joint projects that involve communities and technology. In fact, their foundation funded the ALA Office of Research and Statistics Study that discovered how library computers are being used by job seekers (Jerrard, 2009). One of the things the Gates Foundation does fund is projects to help bridge the digital divide. "We're helping U.S. libraries provide the free, reliable computer and Internet access that will allow patrons to make meaningful contributions to society," (U.S. Libraries, 2009).
If the state has a state library, they tend to provide guidelines for applying for grants and help in finding them. The state library may also have funding of its own to give. The State Library of Iowa, for example, has pathfinders on how to write proposals and link to resources (Funding Resources, 2010). In many cases, state libraries are also being hit hard by the recession but they may already be providing valuable databases that an individual library can use.
Computer expenses
One of the biggest needs and the biggest expenses involved in providing career development at the public library is computers and internet access. One of the biggest reasons why libraries are becoming career centers is their ability to provide the technology needed for online applications and job searches (Jerrard, 2009). (More about how to train people to use career development technology can be found in the Examples & Advice section.)
However, many libraries may not have enough computers to support even a few job seekers. If there are not grants available, consider looking for local businesses, schools or government agencies who are upgrading and getting rid of their old computers (Jerrard, 2009). Beware of data privacy and maintenance issues, though. According to the ALA's employment crisis guide (Jerrard, 2009), the library can also consider leasing computers or renting laptops to free up space.
Since computers are so essential to providing career-help in modern libraries, maximizing computer terminals and broadband is essential (Jerrard, 2009). Some suggestions include keeping the library's wireless on overnight and making it available outside the building, designating certain hours as "career" hours on computers and taking time limits off machines for people to fill out job applications (Jerrard, 2009). Maximizing resources already in the library will be the key to expanding services in these tough times.
- Providing job resources at your public library can cost a lot, especially when one factors in computers and broadband access.
- Many libraries may not experience direct dollar costs because they already have most of the resources to provide career-help in place. A considerable amount of staff time, however, may go into developing resources and/or training volunteers to help job seekers.
- Libraries can use existing resources including computers, internet bandwidth, printing and publicity materials, but that still may not be enough (Lear, 2002).
Don't go it alone
- One of the first suggestions is to find partners. Look for other organizations working with the unemployed in the community. Can they provide staff or training materials if the library provides meeting space?
- Maybe one company or agency in your area cannot fund the purchase of ten computers, but maybe ten companies can give you support for one computer each (Jerrard, 2009).
- Museums, local or state government agencies, schools and universities and companies in the community may be interested in teaming up to provide better service. Unemployed people may be interested in gaining volunteer experience by staffing the library's computer lab (Jerrard, 2009).
- It is important to remember that sharing resources can be almost as valuable as cold hard cash--or even a grant.
Grants
Grants are often a source of library funding and, although granters will probably have less to work with in this economic climate, career-help programs may be top priority. Some general resources to start with are the Annual register of grant support: a directory of funding sources or the Foundation Directory at fdncenter.org. The Foundation Center searches several databases for grant sources, but there is a membership cost. Some public libraries have agreements to offer the services to other public libraries for free (Find Funders, 2010).
The professional literature also sometimes contains RFPS (requests for proposals) or there may be a state government grant directory. One of the most important things to remember when applying for a grant is to specify what need is addressed and what segment of the population is affected (Lear, 2002). This is especially important when the need is something like career-help that impacts a wide segment of the community. Visit the Resources for Librarians page to find out where to get sample grant applications.
There are some organizations that traditionally award grants to libraries. The Institute of Library and Museum Services (IMLS) gives grants for three years. The Laura Bush 21st Century Library Program and the National Leadership Program may be the ones to apply under for providing career-help at the library (Available projects, by type, 2010). Instructions on how to apply are found online. The IMLS website also provides links to state resources and other grant opportunities.
"The mission of Staples Foundation for Learning is to provide funding to programs that support or provide job skills and/or education for all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth," (Guidelines for Grant Application, 2009). While the Staples Foundation may prefer to fund disadvantaged youth, their mission also supports adult education and specifically job skills. Their website does list several places they will not fund and that could affect a public library's application depending on who they are partnered with.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation does not fund unsolicited, individual library programs but they do fund joint projects that involve communities and technology. In fact, their foundation funded the ALA Office of Research and Statistics Study that discovered how library computers are being used by job seekers (Jerrard, 2009). One of the things the Gates Foundation does fund is projects to help bridge the digital divide. "We're helping U.S. libraries provide the free, reliable computer and Internet access that will allow patrons to make meaningful contributions to society," (U.S. Libraries, 2009).
If the state has a state library, they tend to provide guidelines for applying for grants and help in finding them. The state library may also have funding of its own to give. The State Library of Iowa, for example, has pathfinders on how to write proposals and link to resources (Funding Resources, 2010). In many cases, state libraries are also being hit hard by the recession but they may already be providing valuable databases that an individual library can use.
Computer expenses
One of the biggest needs and the biggest expenses involved in providing career development at the public library is computers and internet access. One of the biggest reasons why libraries are becoming career centers is their ability to provide the technology needed for online applications and job searches (Jerrard, 2009). (More about how to train people to use career development technology can be found in the Examples & Advice section.)
However, many libraries may not have enough computers to support even a few job seekers. If there are not grants available, consider looking for local businesses, schools or government agencies who are upgrading and getting rid of their old computers (Jerrard, 2009). Beware of data privacy and maintenance issues, though. According to the ALA's employment crisis guide (Jerrard, 2009), the library can also consider leasing computers or renting laptops to free up space.
Since computers are so essential to providing career-help in modern libraries, maximizing computer terminals and broadband is essential (Jerrard, 2009). Some suggestions include keeping the library's wireless on overnight and making it available outside the building, designating certain hours as "career" hours on computers and taking time limits off machines for people to fill out job applications (Jerrard, 2009). Maximizing resources already in the library will be the key to expanding services in these tough times.
