Manchester Libraries Design Inline Toolkit For Jobseekers

Manchester Libraries have developed a new online toolkit packed with information and support for jobseekers.

Ask About Jobseeking aims to connect people who are looking for work with all the knowledge they need to succeed, through one handy website. It features CV writing guides, signposting to vacancies and training opportunities, as well as information about apprenticeships and a map pinpointing the nearest employment agencies.

Manchester City Council developed the resource after succeeding with a bid to become a pilot authority for the National Information Offer - a government drive to increase awareness and uptake of the public information available online.

Councillor Rosa Battle, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: "With free computer sessions and trained staff available to provide support, our libraries are the perfect place to access useful websites like Ask About Jobseeking. If you're unsure about how to find information on the internet, librarians are there to help you.

"More and more public information is now available online and many council services are only the click of a mouse away, making them quick and convenient to access."

A recent survey by the UK Society of Chief Librarians found that people needing help to find information online place a high level of trust in librarians.

80% of people surveyed said that support from library staff had helped them to enhance their understanding of online information, while 70% of respondents credited librarians with helping them to improve their web skills.

(CD)