How to Make Better Use of Public Libraries During an Economic Downturn

Public libraries have always been a vital resource to millions of Americans, who use them for educational, research-related and even recreational purposes. In an economic downturn, many Americans can make better use of the multitudinous resources, facilities and amenities that public libraries offer: Members can re-skill themselves, enhance their knowledge, gain new capabilities and even save money while borrowing (instead of buying) popular books, study materials, novels and DVDs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Library card

How to Make Better Use of Public Libraries During an Economic Downturn

1. Learn computer skills and business-productivity tools. Most libraries offer free computer refresher classes and even beginner's classes. Attend sessions in which trained volunteers, counselors and experts conduct lessons in Microsoft Office, business-productivity tools, Internet use and other soft-technology-related skills. For many working-class people, elderly citizens or people who are still not tech-savvy, an economic downturn is the best time to gain new skills and capabilities in computers--and thus position themselves to reap greater dividends in an increasingly competitive digital economy.

2. Get job-related information. In an economic downturn, many companies downsize and lay off employees in large numbers. Many libraries collate job-related information and classified ads, career advice and employment-opportunities checklists from multiple sources and make them available on information portals on the library's website--or even in the form of information booklets. Seek the help of library staff or counselors in sifting this information and fine-tuning your job search. Check job postings and other career-related information regularly on the library's bulletin board.

3. Borrow the latest DVDs, CDs and books. College students, high schoolers and preteens tend to buy expensive books, DVDs and multimedia material from retail stores. To save money in these cash- and credit-strapped times, parents should ensure that their children borrow instructional material, test preparation and study guides, CDs and DVDs from public libraries--many of which stock multiple copies of these materials.

4. Leverage library-based professional-skills programs and classes. Library systems in big cities and other metropolitan areas contain business-information centers that offer professional and small-business training programs, self-improvement and how-to classes, and even financial-aid and grants programs that are rarely taken advantage of during economic boom times. Attend sessions in which career counselors, qualified trainers and other expert speakers share their insights into business management, offer practical advice and teach new skills and practical solutions to small-business owners and entrepreneurs. Let these would-be mentors and industry luminaries teach you to manage stress, retain customers and ride out recessionary times.

5. Gain and enhance knowledge. An economic downturn is the best time to expand your understanding, gain career-differentiating skills and tools and refresh your fundamentals in chosen career areas. Read the voluminous reference books and refer to career-advancement books related to your professional interests. Browse the numerous newspapers, magazines and other periodicals devoted to your profession. Borrow how-to, self-help and self-coaching books in a chosen subject areas. Learn a new language, like Spanish, German, French, Arabic and Italian; lessons are conducted at many libraries, at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Improved language skills can help you explore new career opportunities in the federal government and even the private sector.

6. Use library facilities and online resources remotely. If you're looking to save money in these times of high gasoline prices and don't want to make the long trips to the library, make use of the online services and resources most libraries offer from the comfort of your home (or from any remote location) by simply logging in your library-card registration numbers. Download Adobe PDF e-books or read books online that are made available by numerous publishers, or access learning databases available to patrons of subscribing libraries. Students can access electronic versions of test-preparation and study guides to supplement their education. For recreation purposes, you can download audiobooks, music and video from many media platforms. You can renew books and other material from home, too.

7. Avail yourself of free library Internet facilities. All big library systems now offer free Internet connectivity. Instead of using expensiver pay-per-use broadband connectivity services at home, visit your library's desktop computer stations, which offering access to the Web. Or simply plug your laptop or notebook into the public wireless network Wi-Fi service available at most public libraries and complete your work--related projects or homework assignments.