Adults

Reading Rec’s

Ever finished a book and wondered what to read next? Read your way through the entire works of an author, and now you’re ready for your next great read? The library can help!

There are two places where it’s easy to find suggestions for read-alike titles- the catalog and NoveList.

When you navigate to the library’s catalog, change the search tag from “Keyword” to “List,” then search “read-alike Daisy Jones and the Six” or something similar, and lists with book recommendations will appear. You can easily request titles and check availability directly from these lists.

catalog image with lists

Another way to find read-alike titles is through the NoveList database. Log in to NoveList with your library card and then search for either a title or author that you enjoyed. The book will appear at the top of the screen with a list of similar or read-alike titles listed below. If you click on a title, NoveList will explain why this title was suggested. Clicking check catalog will search our online catalog for the book and link you directly there if we have it.

-Erin, Bridgeville Public Library

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Job Seeker Spotlight: BlueCareer

Help your patrons discover BlueCareer: an all-in-one guide to the skilled trades.

Whether they’re a student looking to start their job path or a seasoned employee looking for a career change, BlueCareer is a helpful introduction into trade industries like construction, hospitality, tourism, landscaping, transporation & logistics. Whether they’re looking to become a crane operator, drone pilot, or arboist, BlueCareer has the resources to get them started on their new career path.

The career assement tool matches job seeker’s strengths with the right trade. Find in-demand trades in their area and dive into career-specific details for more than 100+ trades. Site content is generated from live-hiring data which keeps information current.

Job seekers can see what employers require in each field – from specific certification requirements and necessary skills to background check details.

Screenshot shows a synopsis of what a trade does, what necessary skills are required and what certifications are necessary for those positions.

The Explore the Community section lets job seekers watch curated videos and listen to industry podcasts to hear directly from people working in the field. Specific trade pathways are identified so job seekers can find schools, apprentice programs, or online training.

And the Salary Explorer lets seekers view real, localized pay data, so they know what the earning potential is for each trade.

Chat is available 24/7 to guide job seekers on the next step in their career path.

Get started exploring this resource!

BlueCareer

Want to promote BlueCareer in your library? Access EBSCO’s BlueCareer promotional kit here.

Happy learning!

– Richelle, Sewickley Public Library

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Resources for Jobseekers

One patron group that we see a lot in libraries is jobseekers. We’ve all assisted someone with an application, a resume, or a cover letter. Did you know that there are resources out there that can make this process easier?

One great resource to refer jobseekers to is available through POWER Library and the state- PA CareerLink. Users can create a free login, and after doing so, they’ll be prompted to create a resume using a free tool. Also available to users is ACCESS SKILLUP PA, an online learning tool that offers continuing education to help them grow their skills.

Another great resource is Tutor.com. Tutor offers resume and cover letter review that’s performed by a real person, and the site includes tips for a job interview. Even better, those tips cover all types of job seekers from high school students to those re-entering the workforce.

Erin Weaver, Bridgeville Public Library

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Travel Time is approaching…

It is already May and that means that our patrons will be looking into travel plans NOW! If you have patrons who are traveling abroad be sure to mention our helpful language learning resources for their travel needs – like Mango language.

It has never been a better time to learn with Mango because they now have a Chrome extension in beta that lets you practice language learning while you browse the web or even just watch a movie with Netflix! With the Mango extension installed you can double click on a word and have Mango instantly translate it for you or even hold down the Alt key, highlight a word and have it added to Mango for your next vocabulary practice.

They next time you watch a Netflix show in the language you are studying now the extension can help you translate and learn while you enjoy some quality drama. Now you and your patrons can have fun on the web and brush up your language skills for that next adventure abroad!

Have fun language learning,

Adrianne, Northland Library

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