The Process: Over the winter I have been updating, refining, and adding to everything related to the library’s “Applying for a Jobs Online” class. Just as this was completed, Newton purchased a new software package called LibGuides. Since it takes time to learn to use it, our Assistant Head of Reference, John Walsh, took the material that had been created for the class and created a design for it. Once everything had been put together, I went through the Guide again, updating and tweeking it, learning how to use the program at the same time.
The Result: If you have Microsoft PowerPoint and Word on your computer, you now have direct access to the library’s class materials no matter where you are located. If you don’t have these programs, you can still access a wealth of information in the LibGuide by clicking on the tabs at the top of the Guide. Under the first tab on the left (Home) you will find contact information for the library, for me, and for John. There is a brief explanation of the guide in the center. The material in the right frame gives you you complete access to all the PowerPoints, handouts, and supplementary materials I present in my class. If you are interested in using any of this, I have two requests. First, read the syllabus at the top of the list. You may not need everything that you find here. Second, give credit where credit is due. Tell people where you got the material so they can use it too, if they like. That’s it.
Tips on Content: Make sure you check out the tabs. Besides presenting information on the Library’s Online Career Center and this blog, you will also find RSS feeds, book and website recommendations, as well as information on several databases that can be used for job and company research. Especially important is Handout 8 on Plain Text, located in the right frame of the Home page, and the tab above on “Applying Online”. The handout gives you step-by-step instructions (screen shot by screen shot) for changing formatted text into ASCII/plain text as well as explaining why you need to do this. Clicking on the tab will give you information on using online job applications as well as plain text.
Interested? Just click on LibGuide: Applying for a Job Online.
Let me know what you think. Whether you are looking for a job or helping others become reemployed, good luck. I hope you are able to put this material to good use.
Ginny
vea/ 9 June 2011
Newton Free Library
Newton, Mass.
http://www.newtonfreelibrary.net
http://jobsearchchatter.wordpress.com
http://guides.newtonfreelibrary.net/jobs
Posted by raknapsack 
