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Today’s Producers Jennifer Peterson WebJunction Community Manager Kendra Morgan WebJunction Program Manager

WebJunction and MELSA, the Metropolitan Library Service Agency, Minnesota Libraries, Jobs and Small Business Webinar Series 2011 Melinda Ludwiczak MELSA Project Manager

Metropolitan Library Service Agency St. Paul, Minnesota Serves 8 Library Systems Anoka County LibraryRamsey County Library Carver County LibrarySt. Paul Public Library Dakota County LibraryScott County Library Hennepin County LibraryWashington County Library

MELSA Jobs and Small Business Task Force Service Philosophy Collaborate with community partners Establish a seamless entry system Where every door is the right door

Compare MELSA Area Library and WorkForce Center Resources Public Libraries WorkForce Centers 106 Libraries13 Centers 4,736 hours/week619 hours/week 2,445 computers284 computers

WorkForce Center Collaboration Deploy WorkForce Center staff or affiliated agency staff at public libraries Deploy dedicated WorkForce Center computers with software at public libraries Joint meeting of WorkForce Council members and public library directors Cross train library staff and WorkForce center staff Advocate for public library representative on Minnesota Governor’s Workforce Council

Workforce Services Jerry Vitzthum Director Job Training Center Anoka County

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) System Federal legislation passed in 1998 Job training reform that replaced the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) Comprehensive workforce system providing: o Job search assistance o Assessment and training for eligible individuals Services targeted to job seekers, dislocated workers, youth, incumbent workers, new entrants to the workforce, veterans, persons with disabilities and employers Features multiple partners in a “one-stop” location.

Seven Guiding Principles of Workforce System State and Local Flexibility Streamlining Services Universal Services Increased Accountability Economic Development Employer Driven Empowering Individuals

Workforce Service Areas (WSA)  Defined geographic regions funded through WIA  The number of WSAs varies by state −33 WSAs in New York −One WSA in North Dakota and New Hampshire −Minnesota has 16 WSAs

Local Workforce Investment Boards and Role The Workforce Investment Act requires local workforce councils are to enter into an agreement with the designated local governing unit which is called a Local Elected Official/LWC Agreement.

Local Board Membership Includes at a Minimum  Individuals Representing Local Businesses  Labor Unions  Educational Institutions  Economic Development Agencies  Community Based Organizations The Chair of the Council and a majority of the members must be representatives of the private sector.

Regional Policymaking Workforce Economic Development Local Boards Local Boards are responsible for building and maintaining a connection between workforce and economic development.

One-Stop System Policymaking and Oversight  Develop a One-Stop policy for their area by working with partners to set priorities for the One-Stop System  In Minnesota the one-stops are known as WorkForce Centers

WorkForce Center Locations

Core Services Available to any job seeker looking to enter the job market or to change jobs or careers. Intensive Services For individuals who already receive core services and meets program eligibility for more intensive services. Training Services For individuals who meet specified requirements and are unable to obtain employment. One-Stop Services Include:

Core Services Include:  Outreach, intake, orientation and initial assessment.  Job search, placement assistance and career counseling resources.  Information on supportive services in the area, such as child care and transportation.  Assistance in establishing eligibility for financial aid for training and education programs.  Labor Market Information.

Intensive Services Include:  Specialized assessments, diagnostic testing, in-depth interviewing and evaluation.  Developing employment plans.  Individualized job search assistance.  Group counseling, individual counseling, career planning and case management.  Work experience, internships and short- term prevocational services.

Training Services Include:  Occupational skills training.  On-the-job training, skills upgrading and re- training.  Customized training.

Forging New Partnerships with Public Libraries  Play key roles in addressing employment related services to job seekers, unemployed workers and employers.  High demand for these services.  Library is natural partner to maximize these services.

Library Services Marlene Moulton- Janssen Anoka County Library Director

Anoka County Library

Demographics Service Area: Rural Urban Suburban

How Does My Library Get Started? Create the framework What can your library bring to the table? Asset-based partnerships are the most successful. −What services is my library providing now to unemployed or under-employed individuals? −What resources can my library offer to a one-stop? −What are the potential barriers? −Are there any additional resources my library can leverage, i.e. LSTA grants?

What Are Some Examples of the Resources My Library Might Offer?  Public access computers available for online job applications and to develop/refresh resumes.  Career research materials.  Libraries accessible to job seekers throughout local communities.

More Resources My Library Might Offer  Study and conference rooms where individuals and groups can meet.  Staff at libraries make referrals.  Online resources available 24/7 through the library.

Create the Framework Develop a relationship. Start small and demonstrate the library’s capabilities.  Contact your local one-stop to arrange a tour for library staff. You’ll be impressed with what you find!  Provide a list of library resources including reference materials and online resources.

Create the Framework  Develop cross-training in available resources for staff from both the library and the one-stop.  Offer an institutional library card to the one-stop.  Consider the benefits of adding the one-stop resources to your library’s collection and vice versa. Your residents will find it less stressful to use common tools.

Build on Your Framework  Get the leadership of both your library and the one-stop involved.  Provide the one-stop with the results of your analysis of the resources your library brings to the table.  Ask if there are other ways your library can help the unemployed and underemployed in your community.  Ask your one-stop if they would be interested in your library becoming a partner.

Build on Your Framework  Develop a memorandum of understanding.  Meet regularly to ensure resources are updated.  Post materials at one-stop about library resources and make library card applications available to one-stop customers.  Provide the list of top job search internet sites from one-stop in your library and on your library’s website.

Go Beyond  Explore the possibility of joint applications for grants for training partnerships or one-stop satellites.  Find ways to redevelop your website to provide easier access to employment resources.  Collaborate with other libraries to offer online training.  Seek your one-stop’s advice on improvements to your services.  Advocate for your local one-stop. They’ll do the same for you!

More in the MELSA Series: May 17: Libraries Partnering to Support Small Business and Entrepreneurs June 21: Foreclosure, and Bad Credit and No Job, Oh My! Archived: Understanding Unemployment Insurance and Impact on Your Library CustomersUnderstanding Unemployment Insurance and Impact on Your Library Customers

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