Serving Busy Workers: How Libraries Support Working Adults

Last week we talked about urban libraries serving teens, but this week I’d like to explore how libraries can harness their magic to serve busy working adults. By working adult, I mean anyone 18+ who, like my own husband, works full-time 40+ hours weekly. Thankfully, libraries are evolving to meet the needs of today’s working adults, recognizing their dynamic schedules and varied interests. Since it may be difficult for these people to come into a library for anything when they work 12-16 hours a day, libraries need to reach out effectively to them virtually. The top 10 virtual programs that libraries can offer cater to the needs of working adults, emphasizing the value of reaching out to this demographic for lifelong learning and personal development. 

Understanding the Working Adult Audience

Working adults often face time constraints due to their professional and personal responsibilities. However, they may also strongly desire continuous learning, personal enrichment, and community engagement. Libraries can play a key role in meeting these needs by providing flexible and accessible virtual programs.

Top 10 Virtual Programs for Working Adults

• Virtual Professional Development Workshops:
  • These instructor-led training sessions can be of use to anyone who wants to continue education. A library providing links to, hosting of, and easy access to a myriad of learning essentials for working adults makes education that much more accessible. 
• E-Learning Platforms and Courses:
  • Source: Coursera, edX, Alison.com, 
  • Value: Offering a variety of courses for skill development and academic pursuits. With everything from basic skills to more advanced degree options, these platforms can easily be linked on a library website next to library electronic resources for working adults to easily access a comprehensive sort of self-made program. 
• Virtual Book Clubs and Author Talks:
  • Source: Goodreads, LibraryThing
  • Value: Fostering a sense of community and intellectual exchange among working adults. These programs make traditional book clubs more accessible for all, including working adults and anyone who can’t easily get to a library. 
• Financial Literacy Webinars:
  • Source: MyMoney.gov
  • Value: Providing practical financial guidance and strategies for working adults. Though many may not think of the library website as being a resource for fiscal education, the library can change that by openly marketing and offering these virtual resources. 
• Language Learning Programs:
  • Source: Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, Babble
  • Value: Supporting personal and professional growth by acquiring new language skills. 
  • Many career fields find extra value in bilingual employees. With free apps, language learning virtual audiobooks, and other resources available, the library can encourage second language education. 
• Health and Wellness Webinars:
  • Source: Mayo Clinic – Wellness Programs
  • Value: Addressing the well-being of working adults through expert-led sessions. It’s difficult for people who work 40+ hours a week to find time for going to a gym. A library can create a health and wellness section on their website to facilitate healthy living for their virtual patrons. 
  • By providing access to health videos on services like Overdrive and Libby, working adults can view quality videos from the comfort of their homes on their schedule. 
• Webinars on Time Management and Productivity:
  • Source: Mind Tools
  • Value: Offering strategies to enhance efficiency and work-life balance. With numerous subscription plans available, working adults can easily benefit from tools like this when paired with supporting library virtual resources. 
• Creative Writing and Expressive Arts Classes:
  • Source: Writers.com, Skillshare
  • Value: Providing an outlet for creativity and personal expression. For some working adults, crowded schedules don’t allow much time to pursue their favorite artistic recreations. For those who enjoy being creative in their downtime, many resources are making it easier than ever to pursue these hobbies. 
• Community Networking Events:
  • Source: Meetup
  • Value: Facilitating connections and collaboration among working adults in the local community. Having used this site some years ago, I can personally say it was great fun meeting like-minded people from all backgrounds to enjoy things from trivia to board games and much more. Libraries too can and do offer adult activity groups mostly on-site, but also virtually.
    
    
• Podcasts and Audiobook Clubs:
  • Source: Overdrive, Podbean, Spotify
  • Value: Offering on-the-go learning and entertainment for busy working individuals. Overdrive being accessible from the library website is an ideal platform to get content for free. Spotify will cost some out-of-pocket if you want to avoid ads, but does offer audiobooks too. There’s also Libby, the sibling of Overdrive, which offers numerous audiobooks. 

Value of Reaching Out to Working Adults

1. Flexibility and Accessibility:

Working adults often juggle multiple responsibilities, making virtual programs a convenient and accessible option. Libraries that offer flexible scheduling and a variety of online resources are more likely to meet the needs of this demographic.

2. Lifelong Learning Opportunities:

Reaching out to working adults recognizes their continued pursuit of knowledge and personal development. Virtual programs allow them to engage in learning activities that align with their interests and career goals.

3. Community Building:

Virtual programs create virtual communities, fostering connections among working adults sharing similar interests. This sense of belonging enhances the library experience and contributes to a supportive community network.

4. Professional Development Support:

Libraries can serve as valuable allies in the professional development of working adults. Offering virtual workshops, courses, and resources tailored to career advancement demonstrates a commitment to their growth.

5. Addressing Wellness Needs:

Virtual health and wellness programs cater to the well-being of working adults, addressing stress management, mental health, and overall wellness. Libraries contribute to a holistic approach to self-care.

6. Time Management Assistance:

Providing resources on time management and productivity supports working adults in balancing their professional and personal lives. Practical tips and strategies empower them to navigate busy schedules more efficiently.

7. Cultural and Creative Expression:

Libraries can enrich the lives of working adults by offering programs that tap into their creativity. Virtual classes on writing, arts, and cultural exploration provide outlets for self-expression and personal fulfillment.

8. Inclusive Learning Opportunities:

Reaching out to working adults ensures inclusivity in library offerings. Virtual programs can cater to diverse interests, backgrounds, and learning styles, making the library a welcoming space for all.

Nurturing Growth and Connection

Libraries can play a crucial role in serving working adults by recognizing their unique needs and providing tailored virtual programs. The top 10 programs mentioned cater to diverse interests and priorities, fostering a culture of lifelong learning, community engagement, and personal development.