The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) is available to assist those who have recently experienced a job loss, are attempting to navigate the unemployment process, are looking to explore a new career, are hoping to learn something new, are striving to start their own business, or are in need of research help,
SCLSNJ’s Somerset County Means Employment Job Seekers Initiative, in cooperation with their Somerset County partners including the Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP), have put together a team of expert staff to meet the needs of job seekers as well as referrals to community partners for extended or enhanced services; a virtual series of library programs; online learning resources including expert-led, interactive courses; employment resources; and more, according to information provided by the SCLSNJ.
“One of SCLSNJ’s core services focuses on creating opportunities that build Somerset County’s economic and workforce development,” Manuela Miracle, adult services supervisor, said in the statement. “Helping our patrons meet their career goals now and always remains a priority for all staff. That looks like a comprehensive list of tools, services and programming designed to meet job seekers wherever they are in their process.”
“SCLSNJ is dedicated to assisting the community,” Jennifer Sulligan, adult services librarian, said in the statement. “The dedication and expertise of SCLSNJ staff and the system’s close working relationship with community partners allows us to provide expert programming to job seekers through workshops, online training, and live-streams. We provide up-to-date content about unemployment, as well as job readiness training via our online Job Seekers page, a curated guide to library, federal, state and county information.”
“The pandemic of 2020 has triggered unprecedented economic difficulties and SCLSNJ’s Job Seekers Task Force is responding by helping our customers keep current with employment trends,” Elizabete Pata, adult services librarian, said in the statement. “If you are feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, one of our most valuable resources is our staff who are available for you virtually. Email, chat, text or schedule a personalized 30 minute virtual appointment with an SCLSNJ Expert. We can assist you with your education, professional development and career needs.”
Virtual services are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.
To make an appointment with an expert, visit sclsnj.org/research-learn/ask-a-librarian.
SCLSNJ offers a large collection of online learning resources that focus on a multitude of subjects, which are available in self-learning paces as well as structured schedules.
“It’s helpful to consider your learning style, available amount of time, and what you wish to study when you’re choosing which one of our online learning resources to use,” Linda Tripp, collection development librarian, said in the statement. “If you’re exploring new career options or wish to gain new skills, but don’t have a lot of time, you may prefer the video courses offered in Gale’s Udemy collection, or from Lynda.com. If you prefer a guided approach to learning, Gale Courses offers classes in business, technology, law, teaching, writing, and the arts; many in Healthcare and Medicine even lead to certification. It’s almost like taking a class at a community college, but in a shorter, six-week period of time.”
The following online learning services are available with a library card:
- Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center: Explore industries and careers, plan your education, and/or find your career.
- Gale Courses: An extensive catalog of interactive, instructor-led courses with new sessions starting each month for a six-week period.
- Gale Presents – Udemy: Pre-recorded courses taught by top-rated industry experts in over 75 categories.
- LearningExpress Library: Skill building and test preparation for professionals and students.
- Lynda.com: An online video learning platform that offers business, software, technology, and creative skills classes.
- ReferenceUSA: Search for jobs and research companies.
In addition to the one-on-one services and online learning resources, SCLSNJ is also hosting a few programs for job seekers. Creating a Dynamic Job Portfolio will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. June 10. Discover how to create an effective job portfolio with Jan Goodman, community outreach specialist from the Greater Raritan One-Stop Career Center. Learn more at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4332957. Or, Explore LinkedIn With a Librarian from 2-3 p.m. June 25. Discover how to use LinkedIn, the primary social media platform for job networking. Learn more at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4332232.
“We want job seekers to know that we are cheering them on and hoping to help them move forward confidently,” Miracle said in the statement.
For more information, visit sclsnj.org/virtual-job-seeker-and-unemployment-resources.
