If you’re playing by the old rules to find a job in this economy, you may be playing for a long time. Computers and networking have become an integral part of the job search and have taken the process beyond the traditional response to a help-wanted ad. For people in unskilled jobs or who haven’t gone through a job search for decades, the new requirements can seem daunting. Free help is available, though, from some unusual places—including libraries, churches and online communities.

A few minutes after the Fairfield Branch Library on Laburnum Avenue opens each morning, manager Mike Hatchett knows that each of the library’s 32 computers will be occupied. The majority of users are looking for work. Henrico County libraries, like thousands across the nation, have become clearinghouses for job seekers. Librarians offer support, help patrons navigate online applications, format résumés, set up e-mail accounts and help job seekers find sites to find jobs in their fields.

Eight months pregnant, Keisha Snead got word in March that her job would disappear at the end of the day. Like thousands of others in the struggling economy, she was reduced to an uncomfortable status - unemployed.

Ed Ciszek, director of business integration with Perot Systems at Owens & Minor, helped Semih Sarp of Charlottesville yesterday with his résumé during TechNOW, a Network and Outreach Workshop, at the Sheraton Richmond West.

Looking for employment in the Richmond area? “A job search can be a challenging and emotional time for folks, regardless of the circumstances,“ said David Nelms, a senior vice president at First Market Bank.

The StarTek customer-service call center will close and lay off its 454 employees at the end of this month. The facility on South Crater Road will stop getting calls Dec. 27, company officials said yesterday. The employees, who provide customer service for a wireless provider, were told Tuesday that they would be laid off, site director Lu Flowers said.

Eight months pregnant, Keisha Snead got word in March that her job would disappear at the end of the day. Like thousands of others in the struggling economy, she was reduced to an uncomfortable status - unemployed. Job losses during the past year have shown no mercy, striking all levels, from data-entry clerks to department managers, from new hires to senior employees.