Your Library as a Job and Career Resource

When looking for a job it's important to take advantage of all the tools and resources available, including online job boards, career blogs and web sites, and networking opportunities.

Be sure not to overlook one of the best resources in your community: the public library.

Photo credit: michael_d_beckwith / Foter / CC BY

Your public library likely has many resources to help you find a job, start a business, seek out educational opportunities, or advance your career. Below are a few of the resources you might find at your local library.

1. Digital career products. There are many subscription-based products (such as Gale's Career Transitions) available to library card-holders that provide a wide-variety of information and data for job-seekers.

2. Career books, ebooks, and audiobooks. There are many informative and inspiring books you can seek out at your library to help you give an edge in your search or in advancing your career.

3. Career workshops or networking opportunities. Many libraries offer free workshops on various career topics, such as job-hunting, resume writing, or networking.

Another great thing about the library is that many of its resources are available to you through your computer at home so you don't have to go to the library to take advantage of all it offers. But talk to the librarian at your library and you'll likely discover many more resources at your disposal.

Public Libraries Are a Credible Resource for Career, Job, and Business Information

Public libraries are invaluable community resources for access to credible information and resources.  Most public libraries maintain collections of literature, periodicals, directories, multimedia, and other materials typically available for public lending or reference.  

Whether you’re a student exploring occupations, a job seeker looking to transition careers, or a professional looking to stay abreast of business or industry information and trends, the library is a great place for research.  So much of what you need to know about a particular occupation, industry, business, company, and the market and economy as a whole is available from your local library.  Below is just a sampling of what you might expect to find:

·         Books, databases, and portals about careers, industries, and jobs

·         Industry, occupation, and company information

·         Links to job boards and career websites and blogs

·         Career-interest and skills-assessment tests and tools

·         Business and industry periodicals

·         Exam prep books, for example for professional certifications, civil service, law enforcement, etc.

With online access available and many libraries now offering mobile apps for smartphones, it is easy to access your library anytime, from anywhere.  So the next time you’re in search of valuable information and resources, don’t forget to consider your local library.