The Library of Birmingham Business & Employment team aim to support, deliver and co-ordinate a range of services and partnerships to help Birmingham people bounce-back and play an active part in Birmingham – an Entrepreneurial City.
Once open (and in line with Government Guidelines and social distancing) we will be offering (and remotely where possible):
Library dedicated pc’s for job searching, job applications and CV writing.
1:1 CV Advice & Support
Business and Intellectual Property advice
Workshops & Seminars
Comprehensive Job Library
Partnership Working to deliver specific career services by Birmingham Careers Services – NEETs; Youth Promise Plus, The Prince’s Trust.
Free access to Legal Advice covering: Employment Law, Housing, Welfare Benefits, Consumer & Contract Law, Immigration.
Online learning through our dedicated ICT provision for those that do not have home access eg www.Alison.com
Extensive ESOL and Skills for Life collections for those needing to improve their English language skills.
New & Small Business books and e-books.
Our Virtual Library will also give remote access to a wide range of information, not only employment services, but the comprehensive range of library services on offer to support the whole community.
The Business & IP Centre, part of the national network of business centres co-ordinated by the British Library, also forms part of the Business & Employment offer, delivering a comprehensive range of business and Intellectual Property services (in person and remotely) for those who are in the pre and start-up phase of business. For some newly unemployed people, post COVID-19, they may see this as an opportunity to develop a business idea or invention that they have had for some time. With library staff who are SFEDI qualified Business Advisers and Intellectual Property trained and accredited, we are the only organisation within the West Midlands to deliver this free service.
We are continuing to deliver the ERDF/EU funded ‘Enterprise 4 Success’ (E4S) Programme providing individuals with 12 hours free business support through a programme of 1:1s, workshops & seminars, access to business databases, books/e-books. This will be in place for a further two years, with access to 12 hour business support as a minimum. We are developing services to offer workshops and 1:1 advice remotely along with webinars, Zoom & Skype interviews and support.
During COVID-19 we have established a LoB COVID-19 Business Support Hub (www.ibisworld.com/industry-insider ) giving people access to industry insider guides on how COVID-19 is affecting industries. For those looking to move into a particular business, we are able to offer PDF Market Research reports – a much needed service when looking to start a business. Industry-Insider Guides also provide helpful information and an understanding of industries when job searching as these Guides provide details analysis and can actively support background research for interviews.
We offer a comprehensive range of business databases within the Library, however, for those newly unemployed, writing a CV and looking for specific industry information, or for those setting up a business, we highly recommend COBRA. This is a free database offered by the Library of Birmingham to anyone registered as a library member which can be used at home.
For those newly unemployed who are looking to return to study, we subscribe to the GRANTFinder Database. This is a ‘live’ database and covers all grants available in the UK, application and guidance forms. It gives a clear outline on grants available and conditions for application and is a valuable tool to access for those returning to study.
Library of Birmingham as a Business & Employment Central location for delivery:
Many people will not have the will, motivation, time or finance to travel distances. The team will be in a position to offer and prioritise dedicated meeting rooms and space to deliver 1:1 employment advice delivered by our partners. We can co-ordinate bookings and speak to people directly, so that people know they have a specific day/time to attend and room space will be in line with Government Guidelines and adhere to social distancing.
By speaking with clients when booking appointments, ensures the appointment and service is right for them. Our meeting rooms will also enable remote delivery of advice sessions and workshops using eg MyTeams, Skype, Zoom etc. We also aim to work with partners to ‘host’ Job Clubs, with clear guidelines in place to ensure social distancing and health & safety of staff and public and look at the options available to deliver remotely.
For those wishing to keep up-to-date with our workshops, services and seminars, we have a monthly ‘Keep me Updated’ newsletter and a dedicated email facility: businessandlearning@birmingham.gov.uk and the Library of Birmingham Enquiry Line is available on 0121 242 4242.
By keeping up-to-date with local provision, we will signpost and refer to the appropriate organisation should this be required.