Inspiring Meaningful Work: Public Libraries and Workforce Development

Presented by: EBSCO and Library Journal
Event Date: Thursday, February 23, 2023

The Great Resignation is an ongoing economic trend in which employees have voluntarily resigned from their jobs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research shows that one in five workers is likely to look for a new job this year, and nearly half of workers who recently changed employers also changed industries or occupations. In addition, 2021 saw more than 5.4 million new business applications from entrepreneurs, surpassing the record of 4.4 million set in 2020. What does this all mean for public libraries?

Join host Duncan Smith as we talk to three public librarians about the work their libraries are doing to support economic development in their communities. You’ll also have a chance to hear from users who have directly benefitted from these programs.

In this webcast, you will learn:

How one regional library is developing an entrepreneurial community through mindset training workshops
How one county library is using its “Book a Librarian” service to support job seekers, career changers and those starting small businesses
How another county library is partnering with a local organization to help formerly incarcerated individuals re-enter the workforce
How adopting a holistic approach to workforce and economic development can yield surprising and impactful results for your community

Presenters:

Jennifer Hernandez, MBA, Marketing & Reference Librarian, Neuse Regional Libraries (NC)

Adam Pitts, MLIS, Branch Manager, Gwinnett County Public Library (GA)

Paul Steensland, MSLIS, Reference Librarian, St. Louis County Library (MO)

Niomi Jones, Chef and Owner, Grand Empire Catering, LLC

Angel Keys, MBA, SHRM-CP, CMP, Independent Consultant

Moderator:

Duncan Smith, MSLS, Chief Strategist for Public Libraries, EBSCO

Sponsored by: