際際滷

際際滷Share a Scribd company logo
PUBLIC LIBRARY CASE STUDY
  RAHWAY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Rahway Public Library provides job-search assistance to patrons via OptimalResumes
online career center.
Modules used: Resume, Website, Letter, Skills Assessment, Video Resume, Portfolio, Interview




Challenge: Library turned career center
Even before the Great Recession, patrons frequently sought job search and resume writing assistance from Rahway Public Library in
New Jersey, but as the states unemployment rate climbed from 4.3 to 9.1%, patrons demand for career services skyrocketed.

Aside from the sheer volume increase, many patrons dont have a computer or Internet access at home, so they need to complete
their research and document creation during the librarys hours of operation. At first, library staff used Microsoft Word, but patrons
with limited computer skills and resume knowledge found the software  even with templates  to be difficult.

When the state began providing an online database that offered career assessments and resume assistance, Rahway staff were still
concerned job seekers werent getting help with all the components of a 21st century job search.


Solution: Self-service online career tools
Staff members began looking for a one-stop shop that job seekers could use in the library or at home. They wanted a portal that
would address all critical aspects of the 21st century job search  everything from writing resumes and cover letters, searching job
openings and preparing for interviews to creating an online presence and integrating with social networking sites like LinkedIn and
Twitter.


Results: High-value resource for all types of patrons
OptimalResume has become the librarys premier resource, featured on its website, used in
staff members quarterly career workshops, and most importantly, used by increasing
numbers of patrons each month.

Senior Reference Librarian Carrie Marlowe says OptimalResume is a point-and-click resource
that is easy for patrons to use. Even if patrons dont need a resume, Marlowe points them to
the interactive mock interview feature because they will need to know what skills they need                              OPTIMALRESUME.COM
and be prepared to answer questions during an interview, she said.                                                   1415 WEST NC HIGHWAY 54
                                                                                                                                      SUITE 103
Although budgets are tight across the state, Marlowe said the combination of                                                DURHAM, NC 27707
OptimalResumes value and affordable price point has made it worth the investment.
Feedback from patrons has been tremendously positive. Marlowe said patrons often ask,                                         877.998.7654
                                                                                                                  INFO@OPTIMALRESUME.COM
Why didnt I know about this before? Its great!
                                                                                                                  WWW.OPTIMALRESUME.COM

More Related Content

OptimalResume service for public libraries - case study

  • 1. PUBLIC LIBRARY CASE STUDY RAHWAY PUBLIC LIBRARY Rahway Public Library provides job-search assistance to patrons via OptimalResumes online career center. Modules used: Resume, Website, Letter, Skills Assessment, Video Resume, Portfolio, Interview Challenge: Library turned career center Even before the Great Recession, patrons frequently sought job search and resume writing assistance from Rahway Public Library in New Jersey, but as the states unemployment rate climbed from 4.3 to 9.1%, patrons demand for career services skyrocketed. Aside from the sheer volume increase, many patrons dont have a computer or Internet access at home, so they need to complete their research and document creation during the librarys hours of operation. At first, library staff used Microsoft Word, but patrons with limited computer skills and resume knowledge found the software even with templates to be difficult. When the state began providing an online database that offered career assessments and resume assistance, Rahway staff were still concerned job seekers werent getting help with all the components of a 21st century job search. Solution: Self-service online career tools Staff members began looking for a one-stop shop that job seekers could use in the library or at home. They wanted a portal that would address all critical aspects of the 21st century job search everything from writing resumes and cover letters, searching job openings and preparing for interviews to creating an online presence and integrating with social networking sites like LinkedIn and Twitter. Results: High-value resource for all types of patrons OptimalResume has become the librarys premier resource, featured on its website, used in staff members quarterly career workshops, and most importantly, used by increasing numbers of patrons each month. Senior Reference Librarian Carrie Marlowe says OptimalResume is a point-and-click resource that is easy for patrons to use. Even if patrons dont need a resume, Marlowe points them to the interactive mock interview feature because they will need to know what skills they need OPTIMALRESUME.COM and be prepared to answer questions during an interview, she said. 1415 WEST NC HIGHWAY 54 SUITE 103 Although budgets are tight across the state, Marlowe said the combination of DURHAM, NC 27707 OptimalResumes value and affordable price point has made it worth the investment. Feedback from patrons has been tremendously positive. Marlowe said patrons often ask, 877.998.7654 INFO@OPTIMALRESUME.COM Why didnt I know about this before? Its great! WWW.OPTIMALRESUME.COM