Job-seekers, others rediscover free technology, resources at libraries
Technology resources at your public library are being used more than ever now, mostly due to the harsh problems associated with the recession, according to local libraries as well as the American Library Association.
The association released a report this week that showed 66 percent of public libraries nationwide rank job-seeking services, including resume writing and Internet job searches, as the most crucial online services they offer. That's up 44 percent from two years ago.
Libraries have become crucial technology hubs for people needing free Web access and the power behind it.
"Like many libraries across the country, Illinois libraries reported an increase in their Internet connection speeds over the previous year," said ALA spokeswoman Macey Morales.
It wasn't enough, however, to keep up with demand. About 38 percent of public libraries report their Internet connection speeds are adequate to meet patron demands at all times of the day, compared with 55 percent that reported this was the case in the 2007-2008 report, she said.
Illinois libraries also reported a big jump in helping patrons understand and use online information: 77 percent this year, compared with 63 percent last year.
The Arlington Heights Memorial Library also knows much of this firsthand.
Arlington Heights started Internet-related job search programs earlier this year, including e-Resumes, "Beyond Monster.com," and "Introduction to e-Mail." It also started a special jobs desk that offers classes regarding online forms and other programs.
Since March, 1,172 people had questions related to finding a job, 255 sought resume reviews, and 92 attended the "Beyond Monster.com" classes, according to library spokeswoman Diane Accurso.
The Arlington Heights library has seen the use of many of its services increase, including 400 more requests per month for books, DVDs and other items this year so far compared to last year.
The recession has forced a lot of people to rediscover their local library and the technology and other resources it has to offer.
Surfing: Northbrook-based Allstate Corp. and Mini Cooper have created a mobile app for roadside assistance. Mini owners are welcome to stop by today between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Patrick Mini, 690 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg, to learn more about the app and get assistance on its features, including how to register or even how to upload a nickname for your car.
•Speaking of Allstate, the insurance company also has launched an iPhone app called, What's Your Life Worth? It's a calculator that can help determine the economic value of various aspects of your life. To view a demo of the app, see: www.accessallstate.com/wylw/.
• Chicago-based Vreebit.com launched a beta version of its new social networking site. Besides social networking, the site offers organizational, e-commerce and promotional tools. IT offers secure sharing of documents, links and status updates and allows people to create, organize and promote events.
• Hoffman Estates-based Sears Holding now offers parents a chance to learn about the college planning process at Primero Hispanic Heritage Scholarship at www.shcprimerobeca.com.
• The state's new Bridge Information Web site is at http://wrc.dot.il.gov/bridgeinformation and offers a search for bridges by county and highways with maps.