Creating and Managing the Full-Service Homework Center - Softcover

Mediavilla, Cindy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 083891618X ISBN 13: 9780838916186

Publisher: ALA Editions, 2017

Synopsis

Despite the proliferation of online homework websites and tutoring services, public libraries still have an important role to play when it comes to supporting young people's educational needs. Public libraries that take a proactive approach by setting up organized homework centers¬ have the potential to become catalysts for better performance in school, improved self-esteem, and engaged learning. Whether readers are investigating the possibility of setting up a center from scratch or are eager to revamp an existing center, this book shows the way forward with

• discussion of the philosophy behind a public library homework center and its many benefits, with useful talking points for getting stakeholders on board;


• examples of model programs from across the country;


• guidance on assessing the community's educational priorities and utilizing outcome-based planning and evaluation methods;


• pragmatic advice on how to collaborate with schools and educators to coordinate goals;


• thorough consideration of such key issues as carving out a space, setting hours, scheduling staff, and selecting and procuring educational resources;


• handy tools for a successful homework center, including sample surveys, homework helper application forms and contracts, staff and volunteer job descriptions, and focus group questions;


• advice on equipment and technology considerations; and


• methodologies for evaluation and improvement.

This comprehensive resource will help public libraries create and manage a vibrant homework center that effectively serves students while also building community support for the library.

About this title

About the Author

Cindy Mediavilla is the author of Creating the Full Service Homework Center in Your Library (ALA, 2001), which has been called the quintessential guide to the practicalities of setting up a formal homework help center to provide one to one homework assistance to student patrons (Intner, Homework Help from the Library, ix). In the early 1990s Mediavilla managed a homework center, called the Friendly Stop, for the Orange (CA) Public Library, and she has been studying after school homework programs ever since. She has published several articles on the topic and has evaluated homework programs for the Long Beach and Los Angeles public libraries. She has made presentations on homework help programs at the conferences of several major library associations, and she has also conducted many workshops on the topic. A former public librarian for 18 years, Mediavilla has both an MLS degree and a doctorate in library science from UCLA.

Review

"This imaginative book offers librarians a unique opportunity to fashion creative learning centers ... The content is inspiring and offers straightforward advice for professionals interested in developing homework centers that support curriculum needs. Every librarian who strives to meet the learning needs of today s youth needs to read this book. In addition, teachers and trainers would find this contribution to be an essential planning tool to assist in curriculum foundations." --American Reference Books Annual

"A well-researched, all-inclusive guide ... The lengthy, beneficial appendix provides practical tools and details of all the steps necessary to follow the concrete examples discussed throughout the text." --Voice of Youth Advocates

Edition details

• Publisher: ALA Editions
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 083891618X
• ISBN 13: 9780838916186
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 184