The Department of Cultural Resources plays an important role in attracting new jobs and businesses to North Carolina, and a new interagency partnership will help get our citizens back to work.
As people hunt for jobs they are increasingly turning to public libraries for help and access to the internet. For example, many top retailers no longer accept paper applications. Librarians are busier than ever assisting customers researching jobs at public computer terminals.
In response we are going to train librarians to help people connect with employers and conduct job searches at public libraries. The JobSearch Help Desk will conduct workshops across the state that will focus on North Carolina’s statewide electronic database consortium NC LIVE plus print and online tools for job search skills, such as resume writing. Each regional workshop will include panels with Employment Services Commission and Department of Commerce work force development professionals to share information on the related services and resources available.
When trained, librarians can help as "employment guides" for their customers. Right now jobs is the top priority for North Carolina and Cultural Resources will play a big part.