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Four RI Public Libraries Receive Funding for Workforce Development from ALA/PLA Libraries Lead with Digital Skills
By Nicolette Baffoni | September 20, 2019
Today the RI Office of Library & Information Services is pleased to announce that four library systems in Rhode Island were selected to receive funding from Libraries Lead with Digital Skills, an initiative of the American Library Association and Public Library Association, sponsored by Grow with Google. The goal of the initiative is to ensure that public libraries across the nation receive ongoing access to free tools and resources to help everyone across America grow their skills, careers, and businesses.
Rhode Island’s newly awarded libraries will integrate Grow with Google programs into events or ongoing workshops to address the needs of their communities, including
- Resume Preparation
- Job Searching
- Digital Literacy
- One to One Tutoring Sessions
Congratulations to the following libraries on being selected:
- Cranston Public Library will use grant funds to hire a career coach who will lead a series of workshops focusing on crafting resumes and cover letters, interview and social media strategies for the job market, and smart job searching, in addition to offering professional quality LinkedIn head shots. This program will be one month long, and run in September.
- Providence Community Library will begin hosting digital skills workshops once a week every week for approximately five weeks, with a programmatic focus on “Digital Tools for Everyday tasks,” “Using Google to Get a New Job,” and “Creating a Resume in Google Docs.”
- Tiverton Public Library aims to provide a program targeting unemployed persons aged 55 and older, as well as small business owners who are unable to purchase subscription-based tools themselves. They will provide tailored Grow with Google workshops once a week for six weeks. This will serve as a pilot program with the possibility for extension based on community engagement.
- Warwick Public Library will host two workshops aimed at helping small business owners expand their reach online, followed by one-on-one drop-in sessions. The library will use their funds to purchase 3 Chromebooks to help facilitate these workshops, as well as to cover the cost of a mailing campaign to advertise the workshops. The workshops will be held in December 2019 with one-on-one sessions continuing into 2020.
The $1,000 grants can be used by libraries to continue or expand services and programs related to workforce development. In addition to the funding, awardees will receive marketing support, technical guidance, advocacy tools and a community of practice with the goal of drawing attention to the services libraries provide.
Grow with Google is an initiative to help create economic opportunities for all Americans. In 2019, Grow With Google made a commitment to deliver free, in-person workshops for job seekers, small businesses, and library staff in all 50 states. As the tour progresses to each state, applications will open for libraries seeking Libraries Lead with Digital Skills funding. For tour dates, application deadlines and lists of each state’s awardees, visit ala.org/pla/initiatives/google. Follow the conversation at #Libraries Lead and #GrowWithGoogle @LibraryPolicy and @PLALibrary.
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