By Hannah on February 5, 2026
In today’s competitive and ever-evolving job market, people need more than just education and talent to find success. They need job search skills, access to reliable tools and resources, and timely guidance that bridges the gap between learning and earning. When we added Careershift to Springshare’s lineup, we were thinking about the future of libraries.
It’s time for libraries to be seen as the reliable resources for career success that they already are! Libraries have long been champions of equitable access to information, digital literacy, and lifelong learning. These strengths naturally align with the needs of job seekers navigating a complex employment landscape. Read all about why libraries should incorporate career development initiatives in Careershift's recent LinkedIn article.
Solace for Job Seekers
Job-seeking library users have become understandably frustrated by job post scams, AI application filters, or being ghosted after submitting time-consuming applications. Imagine the relief patrons will feel walking into a library with:
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A curated collection of resume writing how-tos, LinkedIn profile assistance, or sector-specific job searching.
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Librarians trained to navigate labor market data and interpret job trends.
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Access to a premium job search platform, compiling thousands of widespread job listings into one user-friendly, all-in-one database (spoiler: that's Careershift 😉).
- Expert help researching employers, industries, and professional pathways.
In higher education, much of this work typically falls to Career Services, whose offices are often stretched thin, have limited hours, or lack the bandwidth to support alumni. Libraries can serve as a multiplier by hosting workshops, embedding career resources into programs, and extending access to job search tools that alumni and community members can use even after graduation. Library-specific alumni resources and public libraries can become essential partners for third or fourth career seekers.
Expanding Access to Careers and Connections
Some libraries are already providing career support. They're positioning the library as a hub for career readiness, from digital portfolios to career-focused databases. One way they're doing this is by training staff to support patrons using research tools like Careershift. As many of us know, landing your first job or making a career pivot often comes down to who you know, more than what you know. Careershift is a powerful research tool that provides users with access to professional networks and employer insights that can unlock hidden opportunities.
In a world where libraries are under pressure to prove their value, expanding their resources to include more career development is not just strategic – it’s essential. It reinforces the library’s role as a lifelong resource for learning and supporting community success.
If you’re interested in learning more, make sure to grab a spot in one of our upcoming Careershift webinars geared towards public libraries on February 12 or 25.
If you work at an academic library and this piqued your interest, check out this recorded presentation from University at Albany's Noah Simon, to hear how his institution uses Careershift and why he thinks libraries and Career Services should partner more.
Stay tuned for more content about how Careershift can support job seekers at your library!