San José Public Library Introduces Online
Tutoring Service
Students can get free homework help from expert
tutors via the Internet
 October
5, 2005 -
Children and young adults in San José never have to be
stumped by a tough homework assignment again! Students in grade
4 through the second year of college can simply visit any San
José Public Library to get immediate, free help in math,
science, social science and English from qualified tutors.
Students log on at San José Public Library’s public
access computers or remotely via the library’s website,
click on Live Homework Help and connect within minutes to the
Online Classroom. After entering their grade and subject, they
are matched with a live tutor, certified to provide assistance
in that area.
The service is accessible remotely via the Internet from 1 p.m.
- 10 p.m. daily. Spanish-language assistance in math and science
is available Sunday - Thursday, 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. Library
hours determine on-site availability in library branches citywide.
“This is another creative way our libraries support learning
and academic success in San José,” said San José
Mayor Ron Gonzales. “By making online homework assistance
available to any student, just by visiting one of our libraries
located in their neighborhoods, we can help every child achieve.”
Live Homework Help is easy to use. Once connected, students and
tutors can review specific homework questions, as well as subject-specific
concepts using features such as controlled chat, an interactive
white board and shared Web browsing in the Online Classroom.
Tutors and students can type math equations using a special math
tool, share educational Web sites and much more for a rewarding
learning experience. All tutors are certified teachers, college
professors, professional tutors or graduate school students from
across the country.
“Tutor availability is something parents have expressed
a need for repeatedly and we’re very pleased to be able
to offer remote access to this service,” said San José
Library Director Jane Light.
“Often students do not have transportation to get to the
library or they might realize they have another question after
the library is physically closed. Remote access extends our hours
and makes homework help available when and where kids need it.”
San José Public Library has piloted on-site access at
selected branches since March 2002. The upgrade to system-wide
and remote access, effective September 1, 2005, was made possible
through a grant from the California State Library. Supported by
the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library services under the Library
Services and Technology Act (LSTA), Live Homework Help in San
José is being provided through a partnership between the
California State Library and the Metropolitan Cooperative Library
System.
In the 2004/2005 school year, over 500,000 students used Live
Homework Help at public libraries nationwide. Give it a try at
http://www.sjlibrary.org/services/reference/live_homework.htm
For more information, contact:
• Lorraine Oback at (408) 808-2176
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