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The Public Library as Innovator:Statewide Partnership

for Economic Development

Presented by the South Carolina State Library: Denise Lyons, Nancy Rosenwald & Kathy Sheppard

In The Beginning

• 2007 Brought a New Director to the State Library: New Director = New Goals

• Libraries are essential to…– Education & Cultural Heritage– Economic Development– The wellness of SC Citizens– Family Literacy– Good Governance

2008 Business Services Survey

80% of SC Public Libraries reported up to 25 business-related questions per month

50% of libraries felt uncertain about where to refer patrons

80% of libraries would be willing to host workshops on library resources for the business community

Focus on Small Business

• Some libraries doing business outreach• Was not a priority for others• Who can help us develop a message about the

importance of Economic Development? Opportunities for libraries?

How about a Librarian?

Economic Development Seminar

• Held in May with speaker and facilitator Christine Hamilton-Pennell (known for “economic gardening”)

• Librarians learned how to “put information-seeking skills to work to foster entrepreneurship and encourage business growth.”

Mutual Understanding

Community agencies have a partner in the library

Libraries to understand their role in Economic Development Get those Librarians off the desk and in the

community LIBRARIES ADD VALUE

to a community for many reasons…this is just one.

Facing the onslaught: Are YOU ready to do your part?

South Carolina Finds a Way

Flickr:ndevil

Kicking Your Services Up a Notch!

Food of Love Productions LLC, http://www.emerils.com/

Business Services:

and DON’TS

DO’s


Union County, South Carolina

• The Union County Carnegie Library is the only public library facility in Union, SC

• We serve a rural population of approximately 29,000• The Bookmobile serves the small towns of Jonesville,

Lockhart, Monarch, Carlisle, Buffalo, Cross Keys and West Springs

• Each of these towns was once centered on a textile mill, and each of the mills is now gone.

• Sumter National Forest comprises approximately one third of the county.

Union County Carnegie Library

Facts about our community Our residents are:

• 53% Female • 47% Male • 22% Unemployed • 25% Disabled • 68% White • 31% Black • 79% over the age of 18 • 23% live below the poverty level • 68% are obese • 34% have high school diplomas • 8 % have bachelors degrees

Initial Plans to Promote:

Small Business DevelopmentSupport to EntrepreneursAccess to business related resources and websitesWorkshops for local business communityPartnerships with local commerce agenciesSupport for individuals seeking licenses, permits and

registrationsLinks to human resources: real estate agents, SCORE

volunteers, business counselors

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July 2005– June 2006 July 2006 – June 2007 July 2007- June 2008 June 2008 - july 20090

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Actual Needs

• Help accessing on-line applications• Information about government funds to

support re-training and continuing education• Assistance creating e-mail accounts• Who can teach me how to use a mouse,

create a resume, write a business letter?• JOBS! JOBS! JOBS!

Workforce Assistance!

• Staff shift their efforts to one-on-one computer support

• Swiftly discover where to locate on-line applications for local job openings

• Create brief handouts and lessons for those needing support

• Learn to teach and assist• Discover when to say NO

Solutions

• Develop partnership with Workforce Investment Board

• Support is secured:– Additional computers– Trainer to work with patrons needing assistance

Results!

• Good News: we received both computers and trainer

• Bad news: public distrusts Workforce Staff and will not work with them

• Important News: library staff are trusted and respected teachers and information experts

Librarians as First Responders:

• Library staff recognized as empathetic, supportive, involved and effective problem solvers

• Library viewed as third space• Both provide vital resources to community as

economic resources dwindle

• “Americans will go back to work at their public libraries”—David Goble, Director, South Carolina State Library

Changing Course

• Original Project is Refocused

• Major component is Workforce Development – Project overlap is Small Business

Resources/Services

To The Rescue!

WorkSC

• Target: Unemployed adults and those in transition.

• Purpose: assist SC citizens develop/enhance workforce skills and find jobs.

• Project overlap: Small Business Development

• Components: Trainer, Portal, Marketing

www.worksc.org

WORKSC 2010

• Think broadly in terms of employment• Work in partnership: public libraries, Office of

Human Resources, Project Compass & SCSL staff (communications, library development, web, DISCUS)

• Offer marketing support, including social media