Providing Computer Classes to Job Seekers: A Collaboration Dr. Loriene Roy, Professor, School of Information, University of Texas at Austin Bonnie Brzozowski, Reference Librarian, Faulk Central Library, Austin Public Library System

Services to Job Seekers 90.8% of public libraries surveyed ranked services for job-seekers as either the most important or a very important service Austin unemployment rate 3.2% in Dec to 6.3% in Dec Questions relating to job seeking were estimated to have risen by 75% since the fiscal year

Service Learning “A teaching and learning methodology which fosters civic responsibility and applies classroom learning through meaningful service to the community.”

The Collaboration Bypassing City of Austin volunteer requirements Allowing students a unique service learning experience Providing needed services to a significant population: job seekers

The Classes Class 1: Job Searching On the Internet Class 2: Cover Letter Writing Class 3: Resume Writing Class 4: Interviewing Skills and Tips Class 5: Social Networking and Managing Your Online Identity

Delivery of Classes “I can say with absolute certainty that anxiety was uppermost among my varied emotions the day of my class at Austin Public Library.” “The experience, results, and rewards I gained... negated any anxious feelings I might have had before.” “[I] felt a sense of true accomplishment.”

Class Participant Responses Knowledgeable instructors Strong presentation skills Current, relevant content Class 1Class 2Class 3Class 4Class 5 Average rating on 5 point scale by class participants of student instructors

Benefits “This experience was one of the most useful tasks that I have participated in during my time in the iSchool.” “Finally, on the day of our workshop, I learned that you really cannot plan for everything.” “The biggest lesson I took away from this experience...might seem rather straightforward and obvious, but it was a breakthrough for me. I learned that there is a great difference between presenting and teaching.” “Our resume workshop...though largely a success, left me with a renewed sense of the challenges and victories of being an instructor.”