An Open Letter to Governor-elect Rick Snyder,
Dear Governor Snyder,
First and foremost congratulations on your successful campaign and appointment as Michigan’s next governor. This is an opportunity for our state to renew and “reinvent” itself in order to survive and strive in the years to come. It is an important turning point in our beloved state’s history. It is with sincerity that I wish you much success in your endeavors as our Governor.
In the days ahead, there will be many decisions to be made. Some will be popular and meet with approval. While others will be very hard to accept and will be met with outcry. Having stated the obvious in general terms, there is an area of particular concern and interest to myself and my colleagues. The libraries in Michigan are suffering tremendous cut backs which are causing many libraries to cut staff, hours and services. In the wake of these cut backs, there is news that State aid to libraries will be cut yet again, leaving many libraries in a tighter pinch than in 2009. While it is with a clear understanding that budgets must be balanced, it is disturbing that libraries, which provide education and economic stability to their communities are now facing budgets that will barely keep their doors open. In a great state like Michigan, which has the best library systems around, this is a travesty.
There are no easy answers to balancing budgets, however, there should be room for discussion on how to make a bad situation better. Shutting library doors to save money does nothing to sustain a community. Libraries are vitally important to providing services, information and community support when economic times are hard. Where else can people find a place to use a computer to find a job? Where can children find a safe place to read and study when the resources at school or home are not available? What makes a society free and successful is the flow of information to every citizen. An educated society is a safe, sound and prosperous one. Isn’t that what every Michigander deserves?
As a professional in libraries for over twenty-five years, I have witnessed many changes in libraries. However, one element has never changed. Information is a valuable commodity. People need it, use it and share it. Along with my peers, library advocates and fellow citizens, I urge you and your administration to seek a better solution to the state’s economic woes than to cut off funding for libraries. It could be argued that libraries are an “extra” luxury the state can not afford to support, but no one can point to how it helps a state to shut down the libraries. What benefits can be gained from this action? To answer my own questions: none. The resources and support that are uniquely provided by the library are not provided any where else in our society. However, grants for the arts, state parks, state gambling such as the lottery, are all frivolous, yet they continue to have a place in our state’s government.
Again, congratulations on your election. It is my hope that in the days ahead, you will be open to working along side librarians and library advocates to support our state and local libraries.
Showing posts with label career ministries of michigan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label career ministries of michigan. Show all posts
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Job Hunting At The Library
It's in the news quite frequently, how the jobless are turning to their libraries for resources on finding jobs. Listening and reading some media reports, one would think this is something new. Who knew that the library could be so useful? Librarians knew. Savvy library uses know this too. This is no new phenomenon. However, others in the community are just finding
out about what their library has to offer. In almost every public library, there is a section devoted to careers. Some name it Career Resource Center, while others may call it Career Guidance Collection. Whatever the name, these books guide the job hunters in the search for employment. It can't be documented, but one book may have given birth to the career centers in libraries. Ever heard of the book "What color is your parachute?". The first edition of that book is from 1972. It began as a self-published book in 1970. From there it has taken on a life of it's own, not to mention the author Dick Bolles has become the "guru" to go to for career changers and job hunters. Thirty yeas later, the What Color is Your Parachute is considered the bible for job hunters and libraries are providing career information more than ever before.
A week ago, at a Career Ministries of Michigan program, resources for job hunters were discussed. Attendees of this program ranged from those who have been out of work for several months to those who are employed part time but seeking full-time assignment. In speaking with these job hunters it was clear that although the media has talked about libraries' resources, some have heard the message and not giving it a second thought. While others have not heard it at all. The question begs to be answered, why are people ignoring what is right in front of them? Perhaps its because they think they don't have time to go to the library. The news should flash another headline: Libraries open 24/7 via the internet. That might perk the interest of some to begin their search at home. Like it or not, the image of libraries for most people is a building full of books. Most haven't seen how libraries have evolved in the computer age. With this in mind the program focused not only on topics such as what resume books to purchase, but also valuable websites and databases through Michigan eLibrary (Mel.org). With an unstable economy, just about everyone from job hunters to career coaches will find something of value in these resources.
It is a job of a librarian to teach others how to find information effectively. For job hunters, this is important because time is too precious to waste. In the following weeks, this blog will feature some of the best books and resources for job hunters. The hope is that it will spur librarians to promote them and job hunters and career coaches to use them. Career networking groups or coaches might want to hold their own session of using the library to find a job. Finding a librarian to present a workshop on this topic shouldn't be too hard. This librarian/blogger is willing to come out to spend time with groups of all sizes promoting the resources and providing a helping hand to guide through the maze of information.
out about what their library has to offer. In almost every public library, there is a section devoted to careers. Some name it Career Resource Center, while others may call it Career Guidance Collection. Whatever the name, these books guide the job hunters in the search for employment. It can't be documented, but one book may have given birth to the career centers in libraries. Ever heard of the book "What color is your parachute?". The first edition of that book is from 1972. It began as a self-published book in 1970. From there it has taken on a life of it's own, not to mention the author Dick Bolles has become the "guru" to go to for career changers and job hunters. Thirty yeas later, the What Color is Your Parachute is considered the bible for job hunters and libraries are providing career information more than ever before.
A week ago, at a Career Ministries of Michigan program, resources for job hunters were discussed. Attendees of this program ranged from those who have been out of work for several months to those who are employed part time but seeking full-time assignment. In speaking with these job hunters it was clear that although the media has talked about libraries' resources, some have heard the message and not giving it a second thought. While others have not heard it at all. The question begs to be answered, why are people ignoring what is right in front of them? Perhaps its because they think they don't have time to go to the library. The news should flash another headline: Libraries open 24/7 via the internet. That might perk the interest of some to begin their search at home. Like it or not, the image of libraries for most people is a building full of books. Most haven't seen how libraries have evolved in the computer age. With this in mind the program focused not only on topics such as what resume books to purchase, but also valuable websites and databases through Michigan eLibrary (Mel.org). With an unstable economy, just about everyone from job hunters to career coaches will find something of value in these resources.
It is a job of a librarian to teach others how to find information effectively. For job hunters, this is important because time is too precious to waste. In the following weeks, this blog will feature some of the best books and resources for job hunters. The hope is that it will spur librarians to promote them and job hunters and career coaches to use them. Career networking groups or coaches might want to hold their own session of using the library to find a job. Finding a librarian to present a workshop on this topic shouldn't be too hard. This librarian/blogger is willing to come out to spend time with groups of all sizes promoting the resources and providing a helping hand to guide through the maze of information.
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