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Libraries

LibrariesLibraries welcome many job seekers and bring a lot of assets as potential partners for the workforce system. The recent "Libraries Connect Communities: Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study 2009–2010" reaffirms the importance of effective partnerships between the Public Workforce System and Libraries. Many Local Workforce Areas have recognized the value of these collaboration and have formed partnerships with their local libraries. Click here to watch the Webinar!


Setup an Illinois workNet Workforce Professionals Account

To access the password protected resources on the Illinois workNet® web site, you will need to set up a Workforce Professionals account.

Follow these steps to create a Workforce Professionals account and add your site to Illinois workNet so your site will display when individuals search for a location and services.

 step 1 Step 1: Check to see if your site is already in the Illinois workNet.
  • Go http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/ql/WPPAccount.htm
  • Click on the area of the map where your office is located.
  • If you do not already have a workforce professionals account, select your organization from the list and complete the required fields.
  • Once the information has been verified, you will be given access to the Workforce Professionals pathway.
step 2 Step 2: If your organization is not listed, follow the next few steps to add your location to Illinois workNet. By completing the following steps, you will set up your location in Illinois workNet and set up an Illinois workNet Workforce Professionals pathway account at the same
time.
  • Go to http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/advisors/en/admin/SiteAddRequest.htm and select option one.
  • Click on the area of the map where your office is located.
  • Determine whether your site is an access or dissemination site, complete the required fields to set up an account and add your location to the site management database.
  • Once the information has been verified, the site will be approved and you will be given access to the Workforce Professionals pathway.

Federal Activities to Date

  • ETA issued TEN 50-09 External link opens in a new windowoutlining our partnership and highlighting promising partnerships.
  • Added library locations to America’s Service Locator External link opens in a new window.
  • ETA and IMLS are disseminating information on the value of workforce-library partnerships on our respective virtual communities of practice (Reemployment Works! External link opens in a new window and Project Compass External link opens in a new window), conferences and web sites.
  • IMLS sponsored a nationwide effort to train librarians on employment services through regional workshops for state librarians, development of curricula, and other means.

Types of Library Partnerships

  • Joint location
  • Training library staff
  • Sharing labor market information
  • Direct service by workforce professionals to library patrons
  • Joint participation in wider community partnerships (e.g., with economic development agencies)
  • Mobile career centers
  • Small Business Development
  • Use of library spaces to hold events sponsored by workforce system entities
  • Signing memoranda of understanding

Overview of State and Local Partnerships

  • DCEO—Is the foundation of Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and ARRA grants, policy, and services; investing in statewide resources aimed at increasing access to the workforce system.
  • Illinois workNet.com —Portal and program provides the context of the statewide workforce system branding, resources both state and local, and training use by LWIAs, partners, and the citizens of Illinois.
  • LWIA & LWIB—Receive DCEO grants, implement regional employment and training service programs available to their communities, seek and manage local partnerships both mandated and other community partners including libraries.
  • Local Libraries —Partner with LWIAs to provide their staff and patrons easy access to workforce development resources and training.
  • Together, this structure fosters partnerships aimed at increasing access to resources and services and developing a community of users!

Developing Local Partnerships

Local partnerships play a critical role in serving the needs of diverse populations through in-person services and online resources. As the diversity and the needs of individuals and employers in our communities rapidly change, using innovative approaches to providing critical services is an important component of an effective service strategy. To stay attuned to community needs, Local Workforce Investment Boards (LWIBs) and Local Workforce Investment Areas (LWIAs) will work together to expand partnerships that support innovative solutions outside the traditional public program approach.

4 Basic Steps: Click on each of the following steps for details and resources.

 step 1 Develop a Plan: Adopt an Illinois workNet Local Partnership Policy that clearly defines the partnership goals and expectations for both sides of the partnership. This is the foundation of a win-win partnership.
 step 2 Recruit Partners: Beyond existing Workforce Investment Act mandated partners, potential partners include community-based and faith-based organizations, local chambers of commerce, education entities, social service organizations, and libraries that help individuals connect to career planning, job search, job readiness, education/training, and/or work support services and resources.
 step 3 Set-up New Partners: Setting up new partners include site management, physical location setup, linking to Illinois workNet, enrolling in Certified Illinois workNet Advisor training, and including site's services in local content.
 step 4 Maintain Partners: Create a win-win relationship to ensure partners are engaged.

Local Workforce Investment Area --Library Partnership Highlights

Libraries

Joint activities include training library staff in the resources available through the workforce system, holding workshops on career exploration, job search and other topics for library patrons, and sharing information and data.

Illinois workNet has identified some best practices currently being utilized:

LWIA 8
  • Connect customers to library workshops—Monthly workshops are hosted by local libraries and facilitated by Illinois workNet Center Volunteers.
    • Over 3200 people attend the Power Employment Workshops.
    • Now partnering with 7 local libraries.
    • 102 Volunteers since February of 2009; of which 66 have found jobs through these partnership networking opportunities
    • 30-35 active volunteers
  • Schaumburg Library Job Fair—27 employers and 1200 job seekers participated in the job fair.
  • Utilizing Social Media for Outreach –”Job Search Strategies—Rewriting the Paradigm External link opens in a new window” YouTube Video.
  • Creative Solution—Cutting costs with Library/Workforce Partnerships “Library, workNet may merge office space to cut costs, offer services External link opens in a new window” article.
LWIA 10
  • Workforce Division of Will County Library Partnership includes:
    • Free WinWay Resume software for public use to participating libraries through an ARRA grant.
    • Job search workshop curricula, and job readiness materials for library staff.
    • A total of 17 libraries in Will County, including the 10 participating with the Mobile Workforce Center.
  • The Mobile Workforce Center—Mobile computer lab with 11 computers and staff that travel daily to assist individuals that may not have access to computers or work readiness services.
    • In PY 2010 the MWC made 281 visits throughout Will County and served 1661 customers.

Links & Resources

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Illinois workNet Centers are an equal opportunity employer/program. At Illinois workNet Centers, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this website may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment by calling TTY (800) 785-6055 or 711.