Navigating Futures: Assessing Career Services in Washington State Public Libraries
This collaborative research project examined the availability, outreach, and effectiveness of career exploration services within public libraries across Washington State. The study explored how libraries support workforce development, career discovery, and community engagement through career-related programming and information services. Using a mixed-methods research approach that included questionnaires, interviews, observations, and document analysis, our team investigated how libraries market career services, assess program success, and respond to the evolving information needs of emerging adults and career seekers.
Our findings revealed that while many libraries provide employment-focused resources, fewer offer in-depth career exploration support or targeted outreach strategies. The project highlighted opportunities for improved staff awareness, community needs assessments, and more effective promotion of existing career resources.
This research strengthened my understanding of public librarianship, qualitative research methods, and the role libraries play in supporting workforce development.
Abstract
Our research investigates the availability and effectiveness of career services in public libraries across Washington state. We focus on determining the prevalence of career exploration programs, examining the strategies used for marketing these services, and assessing their overall impact.
This research examines the role of Washington State public libraries in providing career exploration programs. Amidst evolving career landscapes, these libraries serve as critical resources for community members seeking career guidance and skills development. Our study investigates how these programs are assessed and marketed, aiming to enhance their accessibility and impact. Through questionnaires, interviews, observations, and document analysis, we explore the effectiveness of these programs and the strategies employed to engage diverse community needs.
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Project Details
Course: LIS 570
Professor: Dr. Ricardo Gomez
Collaborators: Sydney Jensen, Jenna Pawlak, Alli Pincas, and Sarah Peters
Research Methods: Interviews, questionnaires, observations, document analysis, qualitative coding
Key Topics: Public librarianship, workforce development, career services, community engagement, outreach, information needs, research methods
Project Type: Collaborative research study / mixed-methods assessment