Toronto Reference Library Blog

Job Hunting? See What the Toronto Reference Library Has to Offer

The unemployment rate in Toronto was 8.9% in July 2011 according to Statistics Canada.  This was the second highest unemployment rate among all eleven Ontario economic regions (The highest was London, Ontario at 9.3%)  If you are among those who are unemployed, the Toronto Reference Library may be able to help you in your search.

The Business, Science & Technology Department has a large career book collection on the 3^rd floor, and many can now be borrowed.  There are books on writing resumes, interviewing techniques and much more.  

The Toronto Reference Library hosts career and job searching workshops.  Check What's On regularly for listings city wide.   

Don’t forget to check out the tours called "Are You Looking for a Job?".   Find out the resources that are available in the Business, Science & Technology Department on September 10^th from 10-11 a.m. and on September 27^th from 7-8 p.m.  No registration is required.

For many more tips why not try the Toronto Public Library website’s Find Your Way to Job & Career Help.  There are frequent blog postings and listings for workshops all over the city.

And for those of you who would like to start your own small business, don't forget to investigate Business Inc. offered by the Toronto Public Library in conjunction with the City of Toronto and the Toronto Business Development Centre.  The next orientaion session is on September 8th.  Two of the nine modules will be presented by librarians on how to conduct research.  Read more about it in the Toronto Star's Moneyville. 

If you need a helping hand to make sense of it all perhaps you should try our Book a Librarian service.  Book a Librarian using our online form (phone information is also listed) ahead of time to explain your situation in detail and he or she will pull together some resources tailored to your specific needs.  The appointment is free.  Whether you are just starting out to look for a job, changing careers or starting a small business, their experience in identifying resources and finding alternatives will help you on your way.

And of course, you can always come in person to 789 Yonge Street and ask at the information desk on the 3^rd floor!

Need Help with Research to Start your Small Business? Book a Librarian.

Today, there are over 1 million small businesses across Canada that employ almost half of the Canadian private sector workforce. Each year, 130,000 more small businesses are created. Small businesses are providing the impetus that will drive our economy forward.

Behind all that there is an incredible amount of work that entrepreneurs put into creating small businesses and a lot of research which needs to be done before they can start.

There are organizations such as the Toronto Business Development Centre and Enterprise Toronto which offer excellent programs to assist people in getting their businesses up and running.

But many people don’t think of asking for help from those who are trained to find business information on a daily basis.  The Toronto Reference Library not only has a strong collection of print materials and business databases, it also has professional librarians who can help navigate the wealth of information that is available.

Call ahead or fill out a form online http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/book-a-librarian/ .  A librarian will interview you about your research needs and set up an appointment at a time convenient to you.  He or she will prepare a package of materials listing books, journals, directories, websites or databases to help you whether you are researching your industry, determining your market and competitors or preparing your business plan.

Those who have used the service have commented:

“[The librarian] was very helpful.  She was able to identify resources and direct me/suggest alternatives which I had not known.”

“I know I would have had much difficulty doing this without her assistance and again want to thank her for sharing time from her busy schedule to help me.”

“This is an excellent program and I want to give a note of thanks to the library management for having this service available to the public.”

“I would absolutely recommend this service to others.”