Check It Out:

Everyone is talking about the increasing importance of social networking. With numerous websites seeping into every facet of society, from your interoffice gossip to the presidential election, the use of social networks is gaining tremendous momentum. But what does “social networking� really mean? How can social networking resources help you land a job or get ahead in your current job? Which resource will yield the best results?

Simply put, social networking is a group of individuals or organizations that share a common interest. More importantly, it is harnessing the power of the Internet to establish your network of friends, colleagues, prospective employers and potential business partners.

If you are trying to navigate the endless websites, articles, and books now dedicated to social networking, look no further! The Newport Beach Public Library is here to help. From 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, the library will hold a workshop titled “Using Social Networking Tools to Land Your Next Job.� The workshop will help identify how to use social networking websites such as Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn and Twitter to build relationships and catch the eye of a future employer.

The library is a great place to get up to speed on the most recent information on social networking. The library’s Proquest database is a searchable collection of current articles from newspapers, periodicals, and academic journals. Or if you prefer to check out a book, here are a few titles that might help you get on the right path:

“The 29% Solution: 52 Weekly Networking Success Strategies� by Ivan Misner explores the idea that success at networking can be achieved by using a step-by-step, comprehensive methodology to get results; whether it is securing a new job or excelling at a current job.

“How to Succeed in Business Using LinkedIn� by Eric Butow and Kathleen Taylor presents a practical guide to using LinkedIn including finding and recruiting for jobs, exchanging information, and managing contacts.

“Facebook for Dummies� by Carolyn Abram provides a guide to creating a profile, communicating with friends, networking with people who have similar interests, and connecting with co-workers.

“Job-Hunting Online: A Guide to Job Listings, Message Boards, Research Sites, the UnderWeb, Counseling, Networking, Self-Assessment Tools, Niche Sites� by Mark Emery Bolles discusses online networking, research, and testing. It will help you discover information that is often beyond the reach of search engines, including how to avoid the common pitfalls of online job hunting, companies you might enjoy working for, free aptitude tests to help you focus your career planning, and when the Internet might not be helpful in your job search.

“The About.com Guide to Job Searching: Tools and Tactics to Help You Get the Job You Want� by Allison Doyle offers information and tips on writing resumes, locating the best job-seeking search engines, and networking and interviewing effectively.

“LinkedIn for Dummies� by Joel Elad presents information on effectively using online business networks, describes how to create profiles, request and write recommendations, find a job, market a business, increase sales, and find prospective employees.

Take the next step in your job search to the Newport Beach Public Library and start making connections!

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.