Library Resources

The following resources are provided free of charge to all HCPL cardholders. For more, please call the Waynesville Branch at (828) 452-5169 or the Canton Branch at (828) 648-2924

EBSCO LearningExpress 

Looking to re-enter the workforce, want a career change, or looking to accelerate the career you already have? EBSCO LearningExpress has you covered with GED Test preparation, a resume and job letter builder, a career aptitude test, and an interactive occupation explorer. Looking to prepare for a technical exam? Access free practice tests and eBooks on a number of fields such as Allied Health, Cosmetology, Electrician, Plumbing, and Real Estate. Click here to access the Job and Career Accelerator.

• Build workplace skills
  
• Learn about new careers
• High school equivalency center
• Prepare for college
• Refine your computer skills
• Resources for college students

Ferguson's Career Guidance Center

Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center is an award-winning reference database for lifelong career exploration and planning. It offers a wealth of resources for users to assess their career goals and interests, plan their education, learn workplace skills, find apprenticeships and internships, conduct a job search, and much more. For students choosing a career path, graduates entering the workforce, or professionals changing careers, Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center supports users at every step of their career journey.

NC Live Business Center

NC Live, in addition to including hundreds of databases for research and career development, has a Business Information Center to assist you in making your entrepreneurial dreams come true. Databases to aid your market research and small business development are completely free, as well as other resources from the State and Federal government to help you start your own business. Popular business magazines such as The Economist, Consumer Reports, Adweek, and Black Enterprise are available.

Northstar Digital Literacy

Northstar Digital Literacy defines basic skills needed to perform tasks on computers and online. Online, self-guided modules assess the ability of individuals to perform tasks based on these skills. Included are basic computer digital literacy standards and modules in three main areas:

• Essential Computer Skills - Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows OS, Mac OS
• Essential Software Skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs
• Using Technology in Daily Life - Social Media, Information Literacy, Career Search Skills, Supporting K-12 Distance Learning, Your Digital Footprint.

Northstar was developed in response to the needs of job seekers who may lack the digital literacy skills needed to seek, obtain, and retain employment, as well as to perform other tasks in daily life. If individuals do not pass, personalized assessment results provide a roadmap to relevant instruction, allowing them to retake the assessment once they have mastered the necessary skills. Northstar also includes learning resources to support adult learners to master the standards outlined. Signing up is free and does not require a library card. Note: you will need to create an account to track your progress.

NuWav Legal Documents 

NuWav Legal Documents offers a wide selection professional-quality North Carolina legal documents and forms, including business contracts, transactions, and protections. Use their autofill system or download a blank template to fill in by hand.

Universal Class

Looking to refine a skill you already have or learn something new? Universal Class is the resource for you! With more than 500 programs offered in over a dozen areas of study, Universal Class allows you to earn CEUs (Continuing Education Units) at your own pace. These courses will help you build valuable skills that can set you apart from other job applicants in our current economy. Course material is enhanced with discussion boards, videos, and quizzes.

Community Resources

The following resources are available to all community members, regardless of your status as an HCPL cardholder. Please note that some services may not be free of charge.

Goodwill Career Connections Center

The Goodwill Career Connections Center is a free resource for under-employed and unemployed people providing services in the areas of job search assistance, resume building, interview coaching, and job readiness training. Their office in Waynesville is open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

Address: 160 S. Main St, Waynesville, NC 28786

Phone: 828-246-9233

Haywood Community College Small Business Center

Whether you are thinking about starting your own business or you're simply looking to grow your existing one, the Haywood Community College Small Business Center is able to help! HCC offers programs, services, and resources for every step in the business process. Some services offered by Haywood Community College Small Business Center may have costs associated with them.

Address: 185 Freedlander Dr, Clyde, NC 28721

Phone: 828-627-2821

Haywood Community College College & Career Readiness Program

Looking to earn your High School Credential? Haywood Community College offers classes for Adult High School Diploma, GED Test Prep, and Adult Basic Education. All classes are free and available in-person or online. Walk-in and flexible hours are available. For more information, contact the College & Career Readiness Program at 828-627-4700, or click here to visit their website.

NCWorks Career Center

NCWorks is North Carolina's workforce system. Search job postings, create resumes, and find educational opportunities & workforce training. A member of NCWorks visits the Waynesville and Canton libraries from 1:15pm-4:15pm on the first Friday of every month. They also have an office located in Waynesville where you may receive assistance Monday-Thursday 8:30am-5pm, Friday 8:30am-12pm.

Address: 1170 N Main St, Waynesville, NC 28786

Phone: 828-456-6061