Recession's Victims Overwhelm Libraries

Popular books see huge waiting lists, while unemployed line up to use computers

(NEWSER) - Whether you’re looking for a job, or just a cheap respite from the horrors of the economy, the public library has become the place to be, the Wall Street Journal reports. But even as attendance swells, the same financial crisis that brings patrons has left many branches cash-poor. One North Carolina library has seen its carpeting deteriorate from a 25% jump in borrowers, but can’t afford to replace it. More»

Another hurdle for job-seekers as unemployment nears 10%

(NEWSER) - Finding a job when unemployment is at 9.4% is hard enough. But the recently laid-off have another hurdle to contend with: Many employers are most interested in attracting candidates who are still working, the Wall Street Journal reports. “If they’re employed in today’s economy, they have to be first string,” says a partner at an executive recruiting firm. More»

Experts warn work-from-home frauds are mushrooming as unemployment rises

(NEWSER) - Scammers are taking advantage of the recession to con people desperately seeking work out of what little cash they have left, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Watchdog groups warn that phony work-from-home offers promising quick cash in return for an initial outlay of money are proliferating, and that some fraudsters are also using job applications to harvest personal information for identity theft. More»

Acquaintances can be road to success in tough times

(NEWSER) - In the professional world, it’s all about who you sort of know, especially when times are hard, Gregory Rodriguez writes in the Los Angeles Times. Job losses may make people withdraw from their friends, but during a recession, acquaintances are the ones who count, often helping pave the way to a paycheck. Just look at LinkedIn and Facebook, which have surged while the economy tanks. More»

(NEWSER) - Feeling the recession depression? Not sure how you’re going to make ends meet? Mr T has some advice for you: “Man up,” the Mirror reports. The professional tough guy, who said he was in London to show Brits how to be a man, added, “If you get knocked down, setbacks in life, like applying for a job if they don't hire you, keep trying, keep getting up, keep doing it.” More»