Workplace Integration into BRIC
Free Library of Philadelphia, Pa.
Innovation Synopsis
The Workplace, services for job seekers, was successfully integrated into BRIC services for businesses and nonprofits in September. It is modeled after university career centers for those who are removed from or did not attend university. Success came from offering soft skill programs that appeal to each audience.
Challenge/Opportunity
In Philadelphia, there is no public service model similar to career services at universities. The BRIC offers these elevated services to everyone in Philadelphia, for free. We offer workshops, headshots, pitch sessions and classes, lunch and learn technology classes and monthly individual resume review sessions with a manager. We also offer one-on-one appointments with librarians geared towards an individual's needs for effective job search strategies, LinkedIn, marketing one's self, resume/cover letter writing and more.
Key Elements of Innovation
The Workplace existed stagnantly at Parkway Central Library since 1987. In September 2017, it was integrated into the BRIC which offers resources, workshops and appointments for businesses and nonprofits. When the Workplace was integrated staff did research and outreach to determine what services for job seekers were not being offered. We found that there were many services for those with little to no skills, but none for computer savvy career changers, millennials and nonprofit job seekers.
Achieved Outcomes
Workplace staff has elevated services beyond just offering computer time and hand holding. We conducted over 80 appointments and have taken over 250 headshots since September. We now offer a suite of classes. Workplace collaborates closely with the nonprofit department in BRIC to offer services for nonprofit job seekers who formally did not have a hub of services or a community. We also work with immigrant professionals who are comfortable visiting the library.