Your first job @ your library

CHICAGO — It is graduation season, which means new graduates are out seeking that first full-time job. But where to begin the search? Graduates should take a look at the resources at their library.

Using the library to find a job after school is nothing new. Even President Obama credited the Mid-Manhattan Branch of the New York Public Library and its librarians for the resources he used to find his first community organizer position.

Below are just a few examples of what librarians are doing today to help recent college graduates and other job seekers land their first, next or better job.

Safford (Ariz.) City Graham County Library offers Resume and job searching @ your library, the library’s job help center. The help center offers a number of classes, including using the Internet to find jobs, building effective resumes and surviving the job interview. One-on-one appointments are also available for proofreading resumes and applications, as well as one-on-one interview sessions.

Rowan University of Glassboro, N.J. offers Career Management Center Services @ your library for students through the Career Management Center (CMC) Resource Library. The center offers printed and electronic resources to assist career exploration, company research, resume development, interview skills and job search techniques. Additionally, students can enroll in workshops on resume and cover letter writing, and resume evaluation and editing are available by appointment.

The Brookfield (Wis.) Public Library will be hosting Learn about LinkedIn @ your library. The library will feature a presentation by a local LinkedIn instructor, who will demonstrate how the social media channel can help user build business, advance their careers and find jobs.

The American Library Association’s Campaign for America’s Libraries (www.ala.org/@yourlibrary) is a public awareness campaign that promotes the value of libraries and librarians. Thousands of libraries of all types – across the country and around the globe – participate. The Campaign is made possible by ALA’s Library Champions.