| |
Library Helps Computer Illiterate Find Jobs - Flint Adam
Now that we're in the digital age, most employers expect workers to understand computers.
Meanwhile, a lot of jobs can only be found if you're on a computer.
So, what are computer-illiterate folks to do? The Nashville Public Library has an answer.
Career coach Katina Bass says her mother struggled when it came time to apply for a new job on-line.
That's why helping these folks matters to her.
"I did feel there was a need for the older generation. The younger generation - they have the computers down - but the older generation needs some assistance," says Bass.
So, she's teaching... the basics of computers... the basics of the Internet.
She's teaching these people how they can use these tools to find a job.
It's a lesson the Nashville Public Library system realized many people in the community need.
"Many, many, many people do not have computers at home - nor have they used them in past employment," says Library employee Pam Reese.
Ray Rowland has spent most of his life working in oil fields or industrial maintenance, and never touched computers.
"I'm almost totally computer illiterate."
Now, he's out of work -- and having a tough time making headway in a world where jobs are often found online.
"It sure has been new, and it's wild because you know back when I first started, you just walk up and you could get a job. It's totally different now."
But this class is making a difference.
For the first time, Ray Rowland has an e-mail address... and he now has a game-plan.
"I can hit a lot more places just from this computer right here. There's thousands of jobs that I can apply for."
Others, like Ken Maney, knew computers, but didn't know where to go with them.
Now, there's a starting point.
"I got some good websites to go to," says Maney.
The job search resources class is available at the downtown Nashville library right now - and it'll expand to metro branch libraries later this month. Library Helps Computer Illiterate Find Jobs - Flint Adam
|
|
