Homework Centers in Public Libraries

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Got Teens with Homework? We've Got Answers! Your Guide to Developing a Homework Help Center at Your Public Library is scheduled for publication by Libraries Unlimited early in 2009. Chapter proposals for this book are being sought.

Proposals should be no longer than 250 words and include the title of the chapter, an outline or description of the material to be covered, and a brief bio of the author. Deadline for submission is March 31st, 2008. If accepted, completed chapters will be due July 31, 2008. Please send proposals as electronic attachments (.doc or .pdf) to the contact listed below.

Book Description: There are undoubtedly many good reasons for creating a HomeworkHelp Center at a public library, but perhaps one of the most important reasons is to offer a welcoming and comfortable place for teens to obtain assistance with academic projects from caring and qualified professionals. Creating a Homework Help Center at a public library presents the ideal venue for positive collaboration between the library, schools, and community agencies. Additionally, Homework Help Centers provide teens with a safe and nurturing space to congregate after school ends for the day. This guide will offer librarians and library professionals with “how to” guidance for creating a homework help center in their library, as well as practical advice (inclusive of sample forms, best practices and lessons learned) on getting started by conducting a needs assessment, to staffing the homework help center, to developing service hours, to how to handle publicity.

Sample Chapter Include:

Why Create a Library Based Homework Center?

Could Your Library Use a Homework Center? Conducting a Needs Assessment

Funding: Will You Need a Grant?

Operations 101: Policies, Staffing, Hours, Equipment, and Collection Development

Collaboration with the Schools-----How To Make It Work!

Publicity and Public Relations------Get The Word Out!

Assessing Your Homework Help Center--------How's It Going?


For additional information, please contact:

Veronica L. C. Stevenson-Moudamane; MSLS, MA
2007-2008 Co-Chair NMRT Mentoring Committee
Manager of Junior Services
The Danbury Library
170 Main Street
Danbury, Connecticut 06810
203-797-4528 Voice
203-796-1677 Fax
vstevens@danburylibrary.org