DAPHNE, Ala.—Online job-seeking has increased nationwide according to studies by the American Library Association. Public libraries are often the only local source of free computer access for those in need of jobs. 

Online job-seeking has increased locally as well.  Daphne Public Library circulation supervisor, Rebecca McGill, has noticed the recent changes. 

“It used to be just every now and then a patron would ask for help with finding a job, but lately there are people in this library every single day asking if we have Internet access for job searches, computers for updating resumes, or even programs to help write new resumes,” she said. “And the answer to all of those requests is yes!”

The Daphne Public Library provides free online access, free Wi-fi access to those with their own laptops, staff assistance including reference and computer techniques for searching online, and written materials to help with all phases of the job hunt. 

Titles on the shelf include “Cover Letters that Knock ’em Dead” by Martin Yate; “Finding a Job on the Web : Fast Facts on Job Search Tools & Techniques” by Peter Weddle; “Writing a Great Resume: Fast Facts on Job Search Tools and Techniques” by Weddle; and “Fired, Laid Off, Out of a Job: a Manual for Understanding, Coping, Surviving” by B. Keith Simerson and Michael D. McCormick. New titles on order include “Beat-the-Odds Interviews” by Melvin Sorcher; “Resume Magic” by Susan B. Whitcomb; and “Job Hunting Online: A Guide to Using Job Listings, Message Boards, Research Sites, the Underweb, Counseling, Networking Self-Assessment Tools, and Niche Sites” by Mark Emery Bolles.

The state offers the Alabama JobLink to help online job hunters (https://joblink.alabama.gov/ada). This Web site, provided at no charge by the state of Alabama, provides information on Alabama career centers (including locations and contact information), information on upcoming job fairs and public events, a listing of currently available state jobs, information on how to set up free e-mail accounts, and general online instructions for jobseekers. At this Web site, a “job spider” also searches other Internet job banks for job openings based on your search criteria. 

Another helpful Web site is the Alabama Government Job Search, which provides listings of state, local, and federal government jobs (http://www.federaljobsearch.com/Alabama). 

“Job-seeking in U.S. Public Libraries,” a study assessing public access to computers, the Internet and Internet-related services in U.S. public libraries, as well as the impact of library funding changes on connectivity, technology deployment and sustainability, discusses the range of library resources available to job seekers and the challenges to maintaining these services.  

For assistance with your job search, writing a resume, or learning how to perform well during interviews, visit the Daphne Public Library at the intersection of Whispering Pines and 2607 U.S. Highway 98.  Also check the library Web site at www.daphneal.com/library for tips on job searches and links to related Web sites.