Step Up! Timely Outcomes-Based Model for Helping Job-Seekers

Presenters: Kerwin Pilgrim and Edwin Maxwell, Brooklyn Public Library.

The STEP (Skills Training and Employment Project) program was funded by the US Department of Labor. Through this program, BPL offers one-on-one services for job-seekers and matches job-seekers with resources and services. A STEP session, which lasts about 30 minutes, includes:
1. Conducting an extended reference interview (a one-on-one consultation) in which the patron explains their issues
2. Asking questions to determine the patron's needs
3. Laying out a course of action and giving referrals to training, education, and job placement

It's important to set aside a private place for the one-on-one consultations. The sessions are usually done by appointment, but they also have walk-in hours. BPL also offers regular resume-writing and interviewing workshops, plus special programs featuring people from local industries.

They used some of the money to purchase books and databases to beef up their job-skills collection. They use a database called Career Cruising, plus Learning Express Library and Reference USA. They also formed partnerships - Chamber of Commerce, community colleges, etc.

They gave some advice about how to collect outcome data through workshop evaluations and follow-up surveys.

Although I enjoyed this workshop, I was hoping for a bit more. The content seemed pretty simplistic and obvious, and it also seemed that the librarians were duplicating the services offered by other agencies, like the local unemployment office. The assessment aspect is impressive, but they can't offer much beyond that. Still, any help libraries can offer job-seekers is a good thing and it was nice to see what BPL does.