This unique book covers the who, what, when, where, why, and, most important, the HOW of creating a career center or jobseeker program in a public library.

Blueprint for a Job Center at Your Library provides a practical, down-to-earth guide for library staff who wish to better meet one of their patrons’ most pressing needs. The book covers everything from program planning for classes, workshops, and special events to career advising, resources and facilities, recruiting personnel, funding, outreach and promotion, and program evaluation. The authors share a plethora of tips and tricks that can be customized to enable even small public libraries to offer job-search help. Real-life examples and case studies from across the United States show the blueprint in action. Even those who already have a job center in their library will learn about forming resourceful partnerships, gain new ideas for funding sources, and discover innovative services they can provide easily and affordably.

Explains the need for job centers and showcases an expanding role for librarians in staffing them

Reviews various types of programs and services that can help meet the needs of jobseekers

Shows how to research community needs and publicize services

Provides samples of forms and marketing materials from which libraries can draw