December 4, 2008

San Jose Public Library renews online tutoring service

OK, so you waited until the last minute to prepare for that math exam on Monday and you realize there is something about XYZ that you just don’t understand. Is a failing grade guaranteed? Not necessarily.

San Jose Public Library is renewing its Live Homework Help—the popular one-on-one tutoring service delivered via the library’s Web site; this year with expanded coverage. Now students in grades as low as kindergarten on up through the second year of college can get immediate, free help in math, science, social science and English from qualified tutors any day of the week

That’s not all that’s new. In tough economic times, an error-free resume may be the tipping point for securing the job of one’s choice. Adult learners who come to the library for assistance with GED studies, continuing education, re-training or grammar and punctuation assistance for resume writing or work-related projects will also be able to utilize this service.

Students log on at San Jose Public Library’s public access computers or remotely via the library’s Web site—www.SJLibrary.org/ live_tutor.htm—then click on Live Homework Help and connect within minutes to the Online Classroom. After entering their grade and subject, San Jose library card number and PIN (personal identification number), they are matched with a live tutor, certified to provide assistance in that area.

Help from Spanish-speaking tutors has also expanded this year to include all hours that the service is available. Live Homework Help is accessible remotely via the Internet from 2 p.m. to midnight daily, except on New Year’s Day, Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Students have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic in their endorsement of the service since it was first introduced system-wide in fall of 2005. More than 19,000 sessions were initiated by San Jose students during the most recently completed fiscal year.

For more information on Live Homework Help or other homework resources available through San Jose Public Library, visit www.SJLibrary.org, contact your neighborhood San Jose library or call King Library Youth Services at (408) 808-2183. Those who need a San Jose library card may apply online at www.sjlibrary.org/freecard.htm.