NEW DIRECTIONS WITH EXISTING RESOURCES: AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND LIBRARIES AS CAREER DEVELOPMENT HUBS.

We have all experienced the challenges of finding a job. For 12-24s this can be a particularly difficult and unfamiliar process. Because libraries already provide safe and comfortable community learning spaces, there is huge potential to attract and retain 12-24 year old users and their parents by offering career education resources and job search skills. North American and UK libraries already promote career search resources, offer job development skills, online resumé and cover letter writing assistance, and encourage continued library use with workshops and upskilling support. Australia and New Zealand's public libraries have the infrastructure and capacity to build on existing youth services, including homework support, to further position themselves as career development hubs. Edited version of a paper presented at '12 to 24s @ your public library in Australia and New Zealand conference' Qld 11.-12 June 2010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]