Columbus Library Uses Homework Help Centers for Part-time Job Assistance
Lynn Blumenstein -- Library Journal, 01/12/2009
- Job Help Centers occupy downtime space
- Staff, volunteers, and partner organizations help
- Centers offer classes in various job-seeking tasks
In response to a struggling economy, the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML), OH, has decided to make better use of its 15 Homework Help Centers (HHC). On days and times the HHCs are not in use, the space and resources will act as Job Help Centers. CML staff, volunteers, and partner organizations such as the Urban League and Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services will help people search for jobs and hone their skills for the workplace.
Currently, the designated HHCs, complete with computers, are used Monday through Thursday by students for three hours after school. “We want to be able to use that space and those resources in the most constructive way possible during school hours and Friday thru Sunday,” CML spokesperson Kim Snell told LJ.
CML will institute classes to help customers searching for jobs, including résumé building, online job applications, basic computer skills, and more. “We are considering adding classes to help customers manage their personal budgets as well as to decrease their personal debt,” said Snell. “We really want our libraries to be part of the solution.” Classes will also be offered at the branches that do not currently have HHCs so all 21 locations will be participating in the new initiative.
