Optimal Resume Helps Job-Seeking Kirkwood Library Patrons

The downturn in the world's economy that began in 2007 is generally referred to as The Great Recession. As the U.S. the economy sagged and job losses grew, libraries across the country began seeing patrons in record numbers seeking help with job searches. Not only was the need for assistance rising, but the way in which patrons wanted help was changing. Job seekers that had traditionally sought help from the many employment guides dotting library shelves increasingly began asking for online tools.

To meet the growing demand from its patrons for such tools, the Kirkwood Public Library, near St. Louis, began looking at available online programs. After extensive research and consultations with other librarians, Reference Manager Pat Rohan selected Optimal Resume – a suite of career tools that helps job seekers build better resumes, cover letters, manage online portfolios, hone interviewing skills, and develop personal brands – as the program she felt was best able to meet patron needs.

The library purchased Optimal Resume and began an awareness-building effort to its patrons. Initial activities that included classes offered by the library began bearing fruit. "We promoted it through press releases, slides on our homepage, and our Facebook page," said Library Director Sarah Erwin. "We emailed churches and agencies in the area that help job seekers to let them know we had this product. We also interviewed a recent college graduate for one of our email newsletters about why she liked it so much. We wrote about it on a local blog, The Kirkwood Patch, and tied it to that newsletter's weekly job postings. We always mention it when we go out into the community and do presentations for area Rotary clubs, etc. We have really seen it take off."

Erwin said the library is happy it chose Optimal Resume. "We have been pleased with it because it offers so much," she offered. "We were nervous at first because it took a little time to get off the ground, but now it seems to be a real success and is getting lots of use. It's a wonderful product. Our patrons tell us it is easy to use, loaded with good information, and very practical."

Kirkwood Public Library purchased Optimal Resume at a discounted price through its membership in the Missouri Library Network Corporation, which later merged with Amigos. If you would like to know more about Optimal Resume and the discount available to Amigos members, visit the Amigos website or contact Chris Burke, burke@amigos.org or 800-843-8482, ext. 2805.