Growing number of job seekers turning to public library for help
A recent report from the American Library Association (ALA) has found that public libraries play an increasingly important role in helping the growing number of job seekers find the online resources and training to locate employment and needed government services. The ALA’s Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study found that while almost 73 percent of libraries nationwide report they are the only source of free access to computers and the internet in their communities, staffing and funding levels are not keeping pace with the demands.
Report highlights include:
- Nearly three-quarters of job seekers now use the Internet to seek employment, in part because this is the only way to apply for many job opportunities. There are nearly 4 million vacancies listed online. Less than 44% of the top 100 U.S. retailers accept in-store paper applications anymore.
- With jobless rates up in 49 states and the District of Columbia, the need for access to computers and the Internet is more critical than ever. The demand for such services has increased significantly with growing need for access to digital and online information—including e-government, continuing education and employment opportunities.
- Public libraries are community technology hubs. Over the past decade, America’s 16,543 public libraries have made substantial investments in technology resources. Today virtually every public library provides computers and Internet access free of charge to the public. The number of computers available has doubled in the last decade; Internet connections have become faster; and Wi-Fi has become commonplace in many libraries. In only four years, the number of public libraries offering free wireless access has jumped to 65.9% from 17%. The San Diego Public Library was among the first to offer free Wi-Fi connections at all branches.
- In most communities, libraries are the only provider of free access. Nearly 73% of libraries are their communities’ sole provider of free Internet access. Researchers found greatly increased use of library technology for job-seeking and e-government. Aiding job seekers was increasingly viewed as a critical role for public libraries, with 62.2% of libraries reporting this service is critical to the library’s mission, up from 44% one year earlier.
- Many of those seeking assistance are first-time computer users. At the library, they learn how to use a mouse, how to open an email account and how to do an online job search.
According to the researchers, “With adequate public support and funding, public libraries are uniquely positioned to play a central role in local economic development efforts by providing physical meeting and training space, information professionals, and free access to computers, office software, specialized databases and the Internet.”
In a February 28 article, CNN.com also reported on the increase in library usage with the economic downturn. The article notes "In times of recession, people take advantage of free services, and going to the library is among the most popular."
