Libraries are asked to do more than ever to help their communities thrive – often by assisting job seekers in gaining meaningful, livable employment. This often takes the form of helping library users in job searching, application prep, and other employment services – which can be challenging for frontline staff to navigate alone. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and partners developed through the Library Workforce Connection (formerly LAWDS) statewide workgroup are hosting an in-person workshop Friday, May 5th to discuss resources and networking opportunities available for library staff.

Learn about multiple workforce development and wraparound service initiatives, tools, and resources, while connecting with volunteers from the Wisconsin Society for Human Resource Management (WISHRM), and hear more about a highly successful local partnership – the Portage Area Workforce & Service Connection – to learn tips, strategies, and best practices for forming local partnerships in attendees’ own communities.

Networking activities will be offered, so that by the end of the day on May 5th, you will come away with tips, resources, and NEW connections to help your communities thrive!

FREE Sandwich Box Lunch and Refreshments will be provided!

Registration closes April 27. Spots are limited*, so register early.

This workshop is in-person only; attendees will not be able to participate digitally. Registrants are expected to participate in the entire workshop, so please block the full time in your calendar.

*Note: while folks statewide are welcome to register if interested, the workshop will specifically be focused on building local/regional connections and ongoing partnerships in South-Central Wisconsin, and as such, workshop content will be particularly relevant to professionals throughout that area. The Library Workforce Connection intends to offer future workshops in other areas throughout the state.

If you have questions about the workshop or registration, or require particular accommodations, please reach out to Chris Baker, Public Library Consultant at DPI (chris.baker@dpi.wi.gov), or Mark Jochem (mjochem@scls.info).