PROVIDENCE – A new survey has found that nearly every public library in Rhode Island has provided help to out-of-work residents in looking for a new job.
A survey by the Library Board of Rhode Island found that 99.6 percent of the state’s public libraries said they helped people in their job searches between November and March. Some of those who sought assistance had never used e-mail before, the survey found.
Seifert Systems Invests in Energy Efficiency to Strengthen Operations
For manufacturers, energy is more than just another operating expense. It plays a critical role…
Learn More
Mark P. McKenney, the board’s chairman, said the libraries’ role had become all the more important as more employment services move online. Libraries across the state offer free Internet access to patrons.
“Many people who find themselves out of work do not have the technical skills to apply for jobs in today’s job market,” McKenney said, adding: “Even jobs that don’t involve computers, such as cashiering or greeting customers, do require applicants to submit their information online.”
In addition, the survey found that nearly three-quarters of libraries had helped people apply for government programs, such as unemployment benefits and food stamps.
The Library Board of Rhode Island is a state panel that advises the R.I. Office of Library and Information Services, supports legislative initiatives and lobbies on behalf of public libraries. Additional information is available at RI.gov.
