More than job assistance: how Rossanna found a community at Logan West Library
Rossanna Scully walked into Logan West Library seeking help to write a resume, stay on top of her studies, and succeed at a job interview.
She found that, with the library’s Job Help service, and more. In the library, she found a place of acceptance and community, where she still loves to hang out, even after gaining new qualifications and successfully finding a job.
After working in the same job for 20 years, Logan resident Rossanna left her job to care for her unwell husband.
Following an enormously difficult 2 years, during which he passed away and Rossanna herself underwent cancer treatment, she found herself needing to get back into the workforce.
‘It was a really hard time anyway because of everything that had happened, and also because I had been in the same role so long, I had no idea how to start when it came to looking for a job,’ she says.
‘I needed some help.’
Determined, she decided to go into the field of disability care and sought out a course with MyPath Education, as well as seeking help for resume writing, job interview tips and study guidance.
After visiting a few places for help and struggling to find the right assistance, she headed to Logan West Library.
‘I really didn’t know where to start and if the library could help me. What I found was community helping community and all of these resources I didn’t know existed. I got the help, and everyone here continued to help me as I went through the process of getting a job,’ Rossanna says.
‘I could also come here to study while I was on my course – and I still come here now, even though I have been working at my job since August.’
“I want people to know that even when you don't have a computer or internet access, or are in a difficult financial situation, that you can make it, be valued and be acknowledged, with the kind of help and support I had from Logan West library.”
— Rossanna
Rossanna is now the proud owner of a Cert III in Individual Support – and a care worker with Platinum Care Services. She got the first job she interviewed for.
Digital Services Librarian Roma Kumar says the Job Help service offered by Logan Libraries is designed to be as individualised and user friendly as possible.
‘We get lots of people coming in asking for help with applying for jobs. They might need to write a cover letter or to do their resumes. We also get asked for help in preparing for an interview,’ she says.
‘The service is so popular that it is now available across the 9 Logan Libraries.’
The Job Help service assists those who drop into the library for help, as well as offering a booking system online. There is also access to a number of online resources like My Career Match, a test individuals can take that shows their skillsets and the industries best matched to them.
‘For people who struggle with filling out a resume, which may be for a number of reasons, having these test results is great, to show what they have a natural skill for,’ Roma says.
‘We’ve had people take their test results to job interviews, and then get the job.’
Roma says it is extremely rewarding when people, like Rossanna, are successful in achieving their goals.
‘I love to be able to help people on that journey, it feels great,’ she says.
‘But the thing to remember is – we provide the tools but it is Rossanna who succeeded in studying, applying, going to the interview and then getting the job. We just offer assistance along the way.’
That assistance, says Rossanna, has been crucial.
‘I feel I have so much more confidence in myself because of the people here at the library who encouraged me,’ she says.
‘It is easy to feel under-confident, and down on yourself, but I never felt like that here. It is wonderful.
‘I want people to know that even when you don’t have a computer or internet access, or are in a difficult financial situation, that you can make it, be valued and be acknowledged, with the kind of help and support I had from Logan West library.’
To book a free Job Help session and to find other useful resources with practical information for job hunters, visit Logan Libraries Job Help. You will also find My Career Match here. It is available to all Logan Libraries’ members. You can join Logan Libraries online or in person, and membership is free.
