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Sunday, January 18, 2009
Ind. Gov't. - Still more on "Libraries are overwhelmed by unemployed filing for help"
Updating these ILB entries from Jan. 14th and Jan. 15th, the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has an editorial today headlined "Library serving the jobless." Some quotes:
The length of the unemployment line is stretching all the way to local libraries. The increasing number of people needing access to Internet-equipped computers to apply for unemployment benefits is straining library resources. * * *“We actually want people to file online,” said Kathleen Randolph, president and CEO of Partners for Workforce Solutions. “They can still file a paper claim, but it bogs down the system. If they file a paper claim, it can take up to three weeks to get payment.”
There is merit to having people apply online. Making the system more efficient and ensuring people get the unemployment benefits they deserve quickly is desirable. But state officials need to recognize the digital divide. Many people, especially those hardest hit by the economic downturn, do not have easy access to the Internet. And computer savvy is not a natural talent for everybody.
“We are finding the digital ability of the claimants is making it difficult. It is tricky to fill out these forms online,” Randolph acknowledged.
The mass of people swarming the libraries demonstrates the value of the Allen County Public Library and proves the importance of having Internet access available at libraries. It also illuminates another opportunity for improvement for the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on January 18, 2009 10:29 AM
Posted to Indiana Government