Get Personalized Help at the Library on a Variety of Topics, Plus Test Proctoring
Posted on April 13, 2022 at 6:00 am
By Crystal Miller
Two library services are up and running again: Book a Librarian with in-person appointments and test proctoring services!
Book a Librarian
Book-a-Librarian appointments are once again available in person.
Over the last two years, we have had to scale this service back due to the pandemic. We have been offering our Book-a-Librarian service online through Zoom meetings and over the phone. Both options are still available, and we are adding in-person appointments.
You can get personalized help from library staff with a variety of topics. Popular topics include:
- Learning how to use library apps on your mobile devices
- Finding educational resources for kids to learn at home
- Getting assistance setting up an email account
- Downloading eBooks or audiobooks
- Placing holds on library materials
- Finding book recommendations that fit your preferences
- Creating or editing a resume
- Applying for unemployment benefits (including creating a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account)
Book-a-Librarian appointments are available at all 11 of our libraries.
You can request an appointment using our online form.
Once the request form is submitted, you will be matched up with a staff person who can help you with your specific request, and we will contact you within two business days to set up the appointment day and time.
Test Proctoring
Another service that was placed on hold for the past two years was our test and exam proctoring service. Our Proctoring Service is back up and running, so if you need a proctored exam, the library can help.
The Library District provides proctoring service to students in our community as part of our role as a community place and in support of life-long learning. The service we offer attempts to balance the needs of the student, the institution with which they are working, and service to other library customers. While we expect to be able to meet the requirements of most requests for proctoring service, we do have some limitations.
The library can provide the following:
- Staff members who are authorized to provide proctoring service, which includes librarians, library supervisors, and public services specialists.
- Space for test taking; however, depending on the library, a separate quiet area may not be available.
- The ability to directly mail a completed test back to the institution.
- The ability for online test completion.
The following is needed for library proctoring:
- The student must contact the library they wish to use for proctoring and make arrangements with the staff.
- The student must verify with the library staff that the requirements of the institution for proctoring can be met by library staff and facilities.
- The student must verify that the physical environment at the library meets the needs that they have for test taking.
- The student must schedule specific day(s) and time(s) for proctoring based on the open days and hours of the library and the availability of the proctor.
- The student can work with library staff to arrange to book a public computer if needed for test proctoring.
- The student must provide an appropriately sized envelope with the correct address for the institution and required postage if the library is to return the test by mail.
Digital Resources for Test Preparation
Our Digital Library offers test preparation resources along with other life-long learning resources.
Live online tutors are available 2–10pm every day with HelpNow, and you can email tutors at any time for a next day response.
You also have access to study guides, video tutorials, and hundreds of practice tests for a wide range of subjects. Create your own online flashcards using Flashbulb for efficient self-study.
Peterson’s Test and Career Prep
(Formerly Testing & Education Reference Center)
You have access to eBooks and practice tests for college preparation and entrance exams, licensing certification tests, and other certification testing at Peterson’s Test and Career Prep. This digital resource provides tutorials for math, English, writing, and Microsoft software, along with resume templates that can help you prepare for a successful career.
You can study to get a high school equivalent diploma, apply for college or graduate school, take career related exams, and become a U.S. citizen with the resources found in this resource.
Crystal Miller is a Business and Career Development Librarian and has been working in libraries for 15 years. She has a master’s degree in library science from Simmons College and has worked at the Harvard Development Office Library, MIT Libraries, and the Coeur d’Alene Public Library. When she’s not at the library, she can be found at the dog park with her three fur babies or with a cookbook in hand, flipping through the pages, looking for the next recipe to try out.
Tags: book a librarian, digital resources, exam proctor, exam proctoring, help, individual help, test proctor, test proctoring
