While there, we’ll help you learn more about online tutoring. You’ll also learn why 1,800
Libraries are using Live Homework Help® to support the families in their communities.
Tutor.com is presenting three powerful panel discussions during the conference.
Eight years of effectively impacting young people and teens through libraries has
taught us that you benefit most from peer Best Practices.
Learn from the librarians who currently provide the most successful youth programs.
See below for more details, or sign-up to receive a summary of the sessions.
See a flash preview of Live Homework Help
Sign up for a personal demo with a live Tutor.com
Do online interactions with teenagers cause sweaty palms, elevated blood pressure and all-around discomfort? Learn how Radical Trust can help you foster a free exchange of ideas with teens through blogs, online forums, instant messaging, and online homework help. Our panel of experts will share real ideas for your library.
Topics to be covered include:
- How to work with administrators, colleagues and ourselves to give up control so a free exchange of ideas can take place
- Using social networking to engage kids in and out of the library
- Using IM for reference work
- Live Homework Help® and its role in the online teen environment
- Finding funding for innovative services
Tricia Suellentrop, Johnson County Library, Kansas
Tricia Suellentrip is co-author of the 3rd edition of Connecting Young Adults and Libraries (Neal-Schuman, 2004) and one of four authors of the Teenage Riot column in School Library Journal. She was named a Library Journal "Mover and Shaker" in 2005 based on her previous work as Teen Services Librarian in the corrections system. She has served on several YALSA committees including the Presidents Programs and Outreach to Young Adults with Special Needs.
Michele Gorman, Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County
Michele Gorman is the Teen Services Manager of ImaginOn with the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (Charlotte, NC). Michele's books include Getting Graphic! Using Graphic Novels to Promote Literacy with Preteens and Teens and the 3rd edition of Connecting Young Adults and Libraries. She is also the graphic novels columnist for Teacher Librarian and a "Teenage Riot" columnist for School Library
Jeff Dawson, Library Lester Public Library, Wisconsin
Jeff Dawson has nineteen years library experience in a variety of libraries and levels of responsibility. From 2000 to 2007 Jeff served at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library in several capacities, including Reference Librarian, Business Librarian, Adult Services Supervisor and finally Manager of Youth Services and Bookmobile. Jeff has been Director of Lester Public Library, Two Rivers, Wisconsin, since March 2007.
Sheila Schofer, Coordinator of Young Adult Services, Brooklyn Public Library
View the program on the PLA site.
Homework centers are a growing part of teen service. Recognizing the limitations of physical centers (staffing, quality of tutoring, hours of operation, access), libraries are turning to online tutoring to level the playing field. This session will explore how the physical and the virtual combine for the betterment of communities.
Topics to be covered include:
- The shifting focus of libraries and the importance of remote access to services
- How a variety of solutions work together
- Reaching different audiences with different solutions
- Teens helping teens
Penny Markey, County of Los Angeles Public Library
As Coordinator of Youth Services for the County of Los Angeles Public Library, Penny Markey plans, implements and evaluates library services for children, teens and their families. She is involved in education and youth advocacy organizations in Los Angeles County and teaches classes on library services for children in the UCLA Department of Education and Information Science. Penny received the 2003 ALA Grolier Award for her contribution to the field of library service for children.
Erin Downey Howerton, Johnson County Library, Kansas
Erin Downey Howerton is School Liaison at the Johnson County Library. Over the last six years, she has worked with teens and children in various library and educational settings and has obtained certification as a YALSA Serving the Underserved trainer. She is active in the Kansas Library Association and in the Young Adult Library Services Association.
Maureen Hartman, Minneapolis Public Library
Maureen Hartman is Partnerships Coordinator at the Minneapolis Public Library, coordinating elementary and secondary literacy initiatives, including Homework Helper. Prior to this position, she was the Teen Specialist at MPL. She has served on YALSA's Professional Development Committee and chaired the Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers Committee.
Jane Darling, William T. Cozby Public Library, TX
Jane Darling oversees the daily operations of Cozby Library's Circulation and Technical Services. She is a member of ALA, PLA, and TLA (where she is chair-elect of the Membership Committee) and of the TALL Texans Class of 2003. Previously she worked for the Clearwater (FL) Public Library as Youth Services Librarian and as Circulation Librarian.
View the program on the PLA site.
Description Online communities are changing the way people communicate. Meeting young people on their ground is now essential. This panel will showcase how libraries are using the online environment to deliver and market services like online reference and homework/ study help to reach audiences that have traditionally been difficult to penetrate.
Topics to be covered include:
- Face of the online environment
- Meeting kids where they are
- How teens are spending their time online
Barbara Pitney, King County Library System
As King County Reference Services Coordinator, Barb oversees virtual reference services (live chat, email, and online homework help) and the roving assistance service. Prior to joining King County in 2000 she served 13 years as the Library Administrator for the Plainfield Public Library District, Illinois. She received her M.S.L.S. degree from Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. Barbara and co-author Nancy Slote published Going Mobile: The KCLS Roving Reference Model in Public Libraries.
Sarah Cofer, Worthington Libraries
Sarah Cofer has been a Teen Librarian for Worthington Libraries for eight years. Along with implementing traditional library programs like volunteens and a Teen Advisory Board, Sarah (and her teens!) have been deeply involved in the design and development of a teen newsletter, the teen website, a teen blog, a MySpace account, a Facebook page, and more. She received her MLS degree from Kent State University.
Kristen Becker, Tutor.
Kristen Becker is a Sales Director for Live Homework Help covering the mid-west and mid-Atlantic regions. She has been a library director in both public and academic libraries, and is currently working on her Doctoral degree in Library Information. Kristin has a Masters degree in Library Science, and a Bachelors degree in History. She has an interest in educational outreach to children and collaboration with youth service agencies.
View the program on the PLA site.