Washington State Library Offers 'Hard Times'; Resources, Stimulus Advice for Libraries
Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 03/19/2009
- Blog, resources help staff and patrons
- Links wanted with employment security department
- New state stimulus site
The well-wired Washington State Library (WSL) provides a good example of a state library’s response to two of the major trends facing libraries on a statewide basis: the opportunity for federal stimulus funds and assistance to librarians and library users in tough times.
Librarians request help
After State Librarian Jan Walsh attended the semi-annual meeting of the Washington public library directors in January, she asked directors how the WSL could assist those libraries faced with ever-larger numbers of people seeking assistance in finding and getting jobs.
In response to a survey prepared by Jeff Martin, associate program manager–LSTA coordinator, the directors said they hoped the State Library would work closely with Washington State Employment Security Department/WorkSource (ESD) to provide additional information/training (59%); compile online resources for libraries (56%); provide face-to-face training for library staff with employment services staff (28%); provide online training on topics of interest (28%); and develop programs for volunteers to help neighbors in the library (22%).
Their preferred methods of delivery: webinar or other online training (48%), information resource portal (48%), and in-person training at regional sites (35%). About a quarter of the respondents said they had to minimize travel because of budget and time constraints. Rand Simmons, program manager for library development, told LJ that the WSL was still hoping to establish direct links with ESD, but has already compiled significant other resources.
Help in “Hard Times”
As libraries experience increased demand for computers and job-assistance resources, the WSL has established a Hard Times in Washington Libraries resources page. The Resources for Library Users section, includes links to local and national job-search sites, personal finance information, unemployment insurance filing information, career guidance sites, and resources regarding education and training.
Resources for staff
The Resources for Library Staff section, includes resources for grant-seekers, test preparation databases, and advice on library advocacy and promotion. There’s a link to WebJunction Patron Training Documents, as well.
Around the state and the country
The State Library has similarly produced a Resources for Staff to Help Patrons During Hard Times page on WebJunction Washington. There, staffers from libraries around the state have submitted documents and links they find useful, such as pages on job-hunting from the Seattle Public Library and Sno-Isle Libraries. The site also includes documents from state libraries in Illinois, Idaho, and North Carolina.
The Serving Washington Libraries blog updates the State Library’s efforts via the “Hard Times” link on the categories listed on the right side of the page.
State stimulus funds
The WSL points constituent libraries to the state’s Recovery.wa.gov site, which describes the progra
ms, allows local governments to find where to seek funding, and will serve as a “one-stop” location for accountability information. One page lists and describes the programs providing contact information.
The WSL notes: “Program names such as Community Development Block Grant, Community Service Employment for Older Americans, Dept of Commerce - Broadband Deployment Grant Program, K-12 School Modernization, Renovation and Repair, and School Improvement Programs may be of interest to Washington libraries.”
WSL is also tracking the stimulus via the Serving Washington Libraries blog; one category is labeled Stimulus Funding. WSL has alerted Washington libraries to National Endowment for the Arts stimulus-funded grants, and HUD Community Development Block Grants.
