In Tough Economic Times,            The Library is Here to Help

**Don't know what you'll need to get started?  Here's a checklist for filing for unemployment compensation on the Internet.

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During these tough economic times, Portage County District Library is here to help you find the information that you need to make many important decisions. 

Whether it's finding books on career and job search, credit repair, foreclosure, or personal finance, we have something in our catalog.

We've also gathered a few selected websites for additional information:

CAREER & JOB SEARCH

Library Handout- "Here to Help You in Your Career and Job Search..." and "What's Available on the Internet for Me?"

CareerOneStop http://www.careeronestop.org/Default.aspx

GlassDoor A free insider look at over 32,000 companies.

The Riley Guide Online job search, listings, and many other services.

OhioMeansJobs.com A place for Ohioans to post their resumes and search jobs with an available step-by-step presentation on how to register and post a resume. Download FREE presentation now.

Ohio Labor Market State of Ohio reports and data about employment levels, wages and earnings, unemployment rates, jobs, training resources, and information about careers.

U.S. Department of Labor-Dealing with Job Loss Offers information about available resources and programs that provide assistance after a job loss.

AARP's Work Search Whether you're looking to re-enter the workforce or upgrade from your current job, you've come to the right place. The AARP Foundation has a broad array of services to help older workers find more meaningful employment. In addition to providing access to skills assessment and training, the AARP Foundation can even connect qualified individuals with on-the-job training at companies that value your experience and dedication.

Green Careers Guide Started to help people find green jobs (and doing your part to help the world).

WiserWorker An employment website that caters to older job seekers and that offers career databases or job listings.

LearningExpressLibrary A subscription-based database that provides skill-building courses, practice tests, and exercises.  Use their "Job Search & Workplace Skills" to learn how to prepare a better cover letter, gain new interviewing skills, and work on a great resume.  Note: For remote access, you will need to use your Portage County library card number and also register for an account.

Ohio Department of Jobs & Family Services State agency providing assistance to Ohioans during these tough economic times.  Instructions for filing an application for unemployment compensation benefits. Other Resources for the Unemployed.

**Don't know what you'll need to get started?  Here's a checklist for filing for unemployment compensation on the Internet.

Portage Workforce Portage County agency that provides employment and training services for the residents and businesses in Portage County and surrounding areas.

CareerBuilder National online job search engine for posting your resume and searching for jobs. Answering 10 tough interview questions Featured on CNN.

Monster National online job search engine for posting resumes, searching for jobs, and additional career services.

SimplyHired National online job search engine with claims of the largest database of jobs.

Indeed A search engine for jobs, allowing job seekers to find jobs posted on thousands of company career sites and job boards.

Occupational Handbook Online version of the handbook that provides extensive job descriptions, educational requirements, and projected industry outlooks.  Note:  All Portage County District Library branch libraries carry the current edition for in-library use only (older editions available for checkout).

Kelly Services Online access to the temporary staffing agency offering temporary, temporary to permanent, and direct-hire opportunities.

Manpower Online access to the staffing agency that provides employment opportunities and training.

Resources for Small Business and Self-Employed Provided by the Internal Revenue Service, this is a compilation of information relevant to small business owners.

Absolute Beginners' Guide to Using Your Computer Created by the BBC, this free guide teaches you everything you need to know to get started using a computer. 

BUDGETING & CREDIT ISSUES

Mint Offers free online personal finance software (featured in Money Magazine and PC Magazine).  Advice on creating a budget, saving for retirement, paying off credit card debt, and more.

For Dummies "How to" budgeting tips from the online version of the popular non-fiction book series.  Note: The library catalog has over 1,000 For Dummies titles.

Real Simple Planning Online version of the home organization magazine offers budget basics as well as information and useful money savings tips in many areas.  Note:  Portage County District Library carries the print copy at most branch libraries.

YAHOO's Personal Finance Personal finance page of the online search engine, complete with many "how to" guides and free calculators.

National Federation of Credit Counselors A non-profit group that offers services such as credit counseling, debt management plans, and homebuyer education.

USA.gov Official information and services provided by the U.S. government.

Federal Trade Commission Information on obtaining free credit reports and learn ways to repair credit.

Smart Money Personal Finance Online version of the financial magazine that offers several articles on spending money more wisely, investing, and managing debt. Try their coupon resources to help save additional money.

The Motley Fool Online multi-media financial advisors who provide assistance to individual investors, offering advice on personal finances as well.

Suze Orman's Online Calculators Popular financial author has compiled a comprehensive listing of several various online calculators, from credit card interest to estimating college costs.

ConsumerReports This 2009 guide "will help you navigate the current financial crisis." Includes advice, articles, and other consumer resources on topics related to personal finance (including credit and savings), career, home, cars, family, medical insurance, and retirement.

HowStuffWorks' Personal Budget A wholly owned subsidiary of Discovery Communications, is the award-winning source of credible, unbiased, and easy-to-understand explanations of how the world actually works.

FORECLOSURE

Ohio State Bar Association Comprehensive free legal articles on many legal topics.

U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development Comprehensive free guide to avoiding foreclosure.

USA.gov Official information and services provided by the U.S. government.

Ohio Legal Services A non-profit organization that provides legal assistance to low-income Ohioans as well as free legal information.

BANKRUPTCY

U.S. Courts Free basic bankruptcy information provided by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.

USA.gov Official information and services provided by the U.S. government.

COPING STRATEGIES

Sesame Street Workshop: Families Stand Together

Mayo Clinic A comprehensive online article regarding stress management skills and positive thinking.

HelpGuide A non-profit resource that has a detailed section on stress management and other related articles.

University of Maryland Medical Center Offers relaxation techniques for better sleep.

Ladies Home Journal De-Stress Offers many relaxation tips as well as a comprehensive listing of stress management techniques. Note:  Portage County District Library carries the print copy at most branch libraries.

National Institute of Mental Health- Depression Discusses the signs and symptoms of depression, informs you resources for where you can go for help, and offers suggestions.