TORONTO (Monday, February 9, 2008) - Since the economic downturn has been confirmed, many more people are using Toronto Public Library services. There has been an 8% increase in library visits and a 13% increase in computer workstation use in the last half of 2008. The library offers a wide range of services to support job seekers. Many resources are available online and all services are free of charge.
In 2009 TPL will increase access to information about jobs, careers, new and upgraded skills, accreditation and small business by:
• Increasing job and career focused programs by over 35% to reach over 6,000 people seeking this information.
• Adding 35,000 new books on jobs and careers to branch collections, more than doubling the Library's usual purchase in these subject areas.
• Launching a new section of our website “Career and Job Search Help at Toronto Public Library" www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/jobhelp to help people find books, online resources and programs they need in one convenient location.
Employment and Job Resources
Programs
Toronto Public Library offers a wide variety of programs, in partnership with community agencies, to support job seekers including: the basics of job hunting, interview skills, interpersonal skills in the workplace, strategies for keeping your new job and starting a new business. In partnership with settlement agencies, the library offers a variety of programs to meet the specific needs of newcomer job seekers, such as requirements for attaining Canadian accreditation.
Collections
Toronto Public Library offers comprehensive collections, both print and online, for those facing the challenges of a rapidly shifting workforce. Toronto Reference Library and North York Central Library provide highly sophisticated resources to support employment in specific industries, services and professions. Industry-specific publications and directories are available, as well as a complete range of career information related to career planning, profiles, salaries, working conditions and accreditation. District libraries also have large collections to support job searches.
In recognition of the need for more resources for job seekers, Toronto Public Library will make career collections available in all 99 branches across the city and will also increase materials that are designed to help internationally-trained professionals and tradespeople such as engineers, teachers, nurses, mechanics and doctors gain the necessary accreditation to enter the Canadian job market.
Technology Infrastructure
All 99 branches offer free access to email, the Internet and Office software applications to support job seekers in using online resources, accessing government services, completing online applications, and preparing and sending resumes. Some computers can be booked online through the library’s website.
Increasing Open Hours
Toronto Public Library has a long-term plan to improve access to its programs and services by increasing the number of open hours at branches across the city. In 2009, we will be expanding our self-service check-out to nine additional branches, an investment that will result in 64 additional open hours at library branches, beginning in 2010.
For more information visit: www.toronto.ca/torontohelps.
Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 16 million people visit our 99 branches and borrow more than 29 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.
- 30 -
Media contact: Ana-Maria Critchley, 416-393-7212, amcritchley@torontopubliclibrary.ca