Gay's Guide to the Library: Part Three - How can I use the library to apply for jobs?
By: Sam Ehlinger (they/she)
Hey Lavender community. It’s a horrific time for everyone, in a bunch of ways. You aren’t alone and there’s a community of people who care about what happens to us (check out some local coverage of the recent protests here and here.)
In the midst of all of this, you may be looking for a job, so this post is about helping you get access to some resources through the library to help.
Both The Urbana Free Library and Champaign Public Library have tons of resources that can make your job search easier.
Before I get into the specifics at each place, I wanted to highlight the Make it Champaign-Urbana Job Board. This is a great way to see a bunch of local jobs all in one place without having to search on LinkedIn or Monster.
To start, at both libraries there are helpful staff who can help you navigate websites or give you tips with resumes! If you just need a quiet place to work on your resume or apply to libraries but don’t want help, there is also wifi throughout both libraries that you can use with your own devices.
Both libraries also have study rooms that you can use for free for job interviews. Each library books their study rooms a different way, so for more information see below.
Tip: Did you know that you can use the library’s databases without a library card if you are on the library’s wifi? Check out what each library offers below because they have some excellent career resources!
Now for what our libraries offer:
The Urbana Free Library
On the second floor of The Urbana Free Library is a computer lab where you can get help with completing job applications or making your resume.
To use the computers on the second floor, ask one of the staff members at the desk “Can I have a computer?” and they will hand you a slip of paper with a password to get on to the computers. If you plan to listen to sound while at the computers, you can also ask them for a pair of free earbuds.
If you need help with your resume or with finding a job to apply to or figuring out where the application is for a job someone told you about, ask the people at the desk. They are there to help you!
“It’s literally our job, you’re not bothering us,” said Jordan Kahle, Patron Services and Teen Programming Librarian. “Helping people and talking to patrons is the fun part of the job.”
Nobody on staff is going to judge patrons for the questions they ask or things they don’t know, she said. Staff want to help! They can also show you how to navigate handy resources like LinkedIn Learning and Illinois JobLink.
Computers are available for free, unlimited use. The system usually logs you in for two hours at a time, so if you need more time just let the staff know before the two hours are up!
Printing and copying is $0.15/page for black and white, $0.75/page for color. Scanning is free and faxing is available for a fee. There is also a mobile printing service. (More on pricing and how all of the printing stuff works is here.)
To reserve a study room for a job interview, just let the staff at the desk know and they can book time in the calendar. You can also call the desk and ask them if they have a room available, at 217-367-4057, and select Option 2. They also have laptops available you can use in the study rooms for free, just ask!
If you have kids, you can work on your resume while your children play at the library at the same time. Head to the children’s section of the library. There are also computers available in the children’s section on the ground floor.
The gender neutral bathrooms are also on the ground floor. Just walk through the doors of the Lewis Auditorium into the corridor on the right-hand side. If the door is closed, just ask the staff in the Children’s Department and they will be happy to open the door for you.
Champaign Public Library
You can stop by the Adult Reference desk on the second floor and get help with getting on a computer. There is no password needed to get on the computers at the Champaign library, so feel free to go directly to the computers to work if you don’t need any help.
At the desk, feel free to ask for free earbuds for the computers, or a laptop for in-library use. The librarians are also happy to help with printing, copying and faxing.
Printing and copying cost $0.15/page for black and white, $1/page for color. Faxing and scanning are free. (More on printing and how it works at the location can be found here.)
If you are able to plan in advance and you have more questions on getting a job, or need more help building a resume from scratch, I would recommend using the library’s free “Book-a-Librarian” service.
The “Book-a-Librarian” service gives you a librarian’s undivided attention. With the program, you can sit down one-on-one and work on your resume or cover letter together and ask questions. The librarians are trained in how to assist with resume and cover letter help, and are excited to answer your questions. This is also a great way to do a practice interview!
Champaign Public Library also has Business and Career Services librarians that specialize in each area. (Here is the Champaign Public Library’s Career Services page.)
As a part of the services they offer, the library also hosts Career Workshops. One upcoming event to note is the Community Job Fair at the library on Feb. 18 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. That will be a great opportunity to meet local employers who are looking to hire or may be planning to in the future.
If you want to book a study room for an interview, you can either call the library the day before the interview, ask at the desk or use the library’s reservation system online here. Study rooms are available for 2 hours daily.
Resources to explore for home use (at both libraries):
- Here’s where you can check out a hotspot to have internet access at home:
- Books (This links to a list of “best bets” from Champaign Public Library of Employment Resources): Want to think about making a career change? Starting a small business? How to make a good resume or apply for college? The library has books for that!
- Databases: I mentioned that each library has cool tools. You usually can access your home library’s online tools from anywhere with your library card (some exceptions apply depending on the type of subscription the library can get).
- Some jobs require tests or certifications. While you are at the library, consider if you need to prepare for any of those to get that job. You can ask the staff for the test prep book you need, and they will show you where the updated edition can be located.
Our next Gay’s Guide will explain how you can stop paying for ebooks! Subscribe for more!