Job Seeking Help and the Public Library

Did you know that 300,000 Americans visit public libraries daily for job seeking help?

Public libraries rule.

In economic times such as these, those facing the digital divide continue to turn to their libraries for access to the internet. Tough times lead to tough choices, and it seems likely to me that the digital divide has grown as income loss might lead some to choose to cancel services such as home Internet access. Cable and phone bills can be expensive, and when you are struggling to make ends meet, you cut back where you can. This means more people will turn to their public library (0r Internet cafe) in order to use on site Wi-Fi with a laptop, or use the machines provided by the library computer lab or work station. Those who aren’t using computers directly for job-seeking are able to stay in touch with friends and family, network, explore, learn, and contribute in the Web 2.o (3.0?) world. Computers are a necessity for job-seekers today, and public libraries provide access.

For other public library factoids, visit OCLC‘s report How Libraries Stack Up: 2010.

UPDATE 8/2/2010 5:19pm PST

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Related Articles & Posts:

San Francisco Chronicle: Libraries Branch Out Into Job-Hunting Centers

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