Career Success Month: Igniting Workforce Statewide
Howard County Library System
Innovation Synopsis
Organized by Howard County Library System and Prince George’s County Memorial Library System with support from the Maryland State Library Agency, Career Success Month (CSM) solidified libraries as a trusted source for workforce information. CSM is the first initiative to integrate the workforce-related knowledge, resources and partnerships of libraries across Maryland. Maryland public libraries collaborated to offer 147 workforce programs in January and February of 2023 and 2024. Libraries transformed into vibrant hubs of innovation and learning for their communities, diving into groundbreaking topics like legal support, AI’s impact, cutting-edge technologies, equity and social justice insights, upskilling, and the latest social media trends. With tailored programs for immigrants, youth, and veterans, attendees explored various career-focused topics to support their professional goals. Career Success Month positioned libraries as vital connectors to statewide resources.
Challenge/Opportunity
Libraries often face the challenge of working in silos, limiting the overall reach of their services. This isolation can lead to duplicated efforts, fragmented resources, and missed opportunities for collaboration. By working together, libraries were able to create a unified approach demonstrating the power of collective action.
Career success for justice-involved citizens and underserved communities is often impacted by legal issues that exist in the socioeconomic sphere. In 2023 CSM provided classes on career-related legal issues, expungement clinics, renters rights, and workplace discrimination.
CSM created an opportunity to showcase the evolution of Maryland public libraries as technology hubs and creative centers who have been integrating high-end technology programming. Laser cutters, 3-D imaging, and graphic design software are not just resources, but everyday tools for our library community. CSM classes incorporated advanced technology and training for the workforce.
Key Elements of Innovation
CSM was organized by Howard County Library System and Prince George’s Memorial County Library System with support from Maryland State Library Agency. CSM set a new benchmark by solidifying libraries as a wealth of trusted workforce information.
CSM’s legacy structure provides future adaptability for implementation across libraries through an accessible web page, brand image, and a comprehensive toolkit.
CSM focused on:
Transformative Learning Environments: Libraries across Maryland embraced their role as innovators thus highlighting the dynamic potential of libraries as workforce leaders.
Cutting Edge Topics: Provided programs about hot topics, such as 3-D Printing for Seniors, LinkedIn Boot Camp for Job seekers 45+ & Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs.
Tailored Programs: Met the unique needs of various demographics through Expungement Clinics, How to Create a Successful ReEntry for Incarcerated Individuals & Digital Learning for Afghan Refugees.
Achieved Outcomes
Customers overwhelmingly endorsed our programs. Around 93% stated they learned something new to achieve their career goals, and 75.7% agreed that attending a specific program advanced their Career Readiness.
The positive feedback from both customers and library systems made it clear that CSM had struck a powerful chord. CSM’s successful debut in 2023 paved the way for 2024, further amplifying the achievements of its first year. CSM programs increased by 49% in 2024.
We sought Industry leaders as keynote speakers. Venture capitalist and investor Kathryn Finney, who funds high growth Black innovators, presented on How to Start a Successful Business: Even if You’re not a Rich, White Guy which resonated deeply with the audience.
Adam Davidson, Economics Writer and Co-founder of NPR’s Planet Money, spoke on AI and The Future of Work and Business. He provided business decision-makers and college students with a clear framework to comprehend the impact of AI’s groundbreaking technology.
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