Community Corner

Library Offers Techno Tools to Master Job Hunt

The Darien Library's Spring 2010 Adult Technology Education course catalog features new courses for the job seeker.

Among the web-savvy who can Facebook, Google and blog with ease, are those who still think that a BlackBerry is no more than a fruit and that Twitter is something birds do in the morning. For those lacking techno chops, the Darien Library is here to help.

Since its introduction eight years ago, the Adult Technology Education Series has drawn many a patron through library doors. Open to Darien residents, workers and library contributors at the $300 level, the courses are led by library staff and local teachers and professionals, all experts in their field. Better yet, the classes are free. A similar course at a community college could cost upwards of five hundred dollars, said Sgammato.

"Providing the latest technology to our patrons is part of our library's mission," said Sgammato. "What would you like us to teach? How can we help? That's our job."

The 12-week fall and spring programs are so popular that students have to register through an online lottery; securing a seat is often a matter of chance. Technology Manager Judy Sgammato says spring 2010 is no exception.

The lottery for the coming Technology Education Serives ends Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 9 p.m., and where Sgammato says library staff will try to accommodate all who are interested, the library has seen a significant surge in interest, due in part to job seekers.

"Our classes will help students learn new online skills, which will assist them in their job search," said Sgammato.

The situation is not unique to Darien. Libraries across the country are feeling an upswing during the economic downturn. A study issued last September by the American Library Association found local libraries to be "first responders" to the recession, providing Internet access and training for professional networking and job-hunting on the web.

The report, revised Sept. 25, shows 66 percent of public libraries nationwide ranking job-seeking services, including resume writing and Internet job searches as the most crucial online services on offer. That's up 44 percent from 2007. With over 71 percent of all libraries serving as a town's only source of free Internet access, local libraries play a crucial role in getting job seekers back to work.

"The success of our Monday at Seven Program has reinforced the need for classes designed for those seeking employment," said Sgammato.

In addition to Mondays at Seven, an initiative to provide resources to job seekers and networkers, the Darien Library is offering "E-resources for the job seeker" as part of the spring 2010 curriculum. The classes, which being in early March, range from basic LinkedIn 101, to complex investment research through the library's Bloomberg terminal (an information service for global financial markets).

"We have people of all ages and skill levels. There are those who aren't comfortable with the using a keyboard, and others who are professional publishers and web designers," said Sgammato.

But landing a job is only half the battle; an ease with technology has become increasingly important in order to survive and excel and in today's business world. That's why the library has developed new courses like "Introduction to Google Docs," and even "iPhone Boot Camp."

"More and more of our patrons are receiving documents through email that have been created and edited in Google Docs," said Sgammato. "This class will give them a better understanding of this wonderful, free online resource."

Sgammato said that while spaces are limited, there are still a few seats available. A PDF listing of current openings and an online registration form is available on the Darien Library Website.

If you have further questions, or need help registering, email Judy Sgammato at jsgammato@darienlibrary.org or call her at 203-669-5256.


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