Creating & Managing the Full-Service Homework Center

Mediavilla, Cindy. Creating & Managing the Full-Service Homework Center. American Library Association, 2018.
ISBN: 978-0-8389-1618-6

Publisher's Description
Despite the proliferation of online homework websites and tutoring services, public libraries still have an important role to play when it comes to supporting young people’s educational needs. Public libraries that take a proactive approach—by setting up organized homework centers—have the potential to become catalysts for better performance in school, improved self-esteem, and engaged learning. Whether readers are investigating the possibility of setting up a center from scratch or are eager to revamp an existing center, this book shows the way forward with

• discussion of the philosophy behind a public library homework center and its many benefits, with useful talking points for getting stakeholders on board; 
• examples of model programs from across the country; 
• guidance on assessing the community’s educational priorities and utilizing outcome-based planning and evaluation methods; 
• pragmatic advice on how to collaborate with schools and educators to coordinate goals; 
• thorough consideration of such key issues as carving out a space, setting hours, scheduling staff, and selecting and procuring educational resources; 
• handy tools for a successful homework center, including sample surveys, homework helper application forms and contracts, staff and volunteer job descriptions, and focus group questions; 
• advice on equipment and technology considerations; and 
• methodologies for evaluation and improvement. 

This comprehensive resource will help public libraries create and manage a vibrant homework center that effectively serves students while also building community support for the library.

Table of contents (center tab)

Diversity Programming for Digital Youth (book)

National Association of Elementary School Principals. (2006). Leading After-School Learning Communities: What Principals Should Know and Be Able To Do. Alexandria, VA: National Association of Elementary School Principals.

After-School programs offer valuable opportunities to support children's learning while ensuring their safety when school day ends. This guide contains a wealth of strategies and resources that show how principals can fulfill an essential leadership role in after-school programs without assuming additional management responsibilities. Conversely, it may be used by after-school providers as a guide for navigating partnerships with schools.

Leveraging the Power of Afterschool and Summer Learning for Student Success (book)

Peterson, T.K. (February 2013) Expanding Minds and Opportunities: Leveraging the Power of Afterschool and Summer Learning for Student Success. Washington DC: Collaborative Communications Group.

Expanding Minds and Opportunities presents an impressive and significant body of work that comprises almost 70 reports, research studies, essays, articles, and commentaries by more than 100 authors representing a range of researchers, educators, policy makers, and professionals in the field. Collectively, these writings boldly state that there is now a solid base of research and best practices clearly showing that quality afterschool and summer learning programs-including 21st Century Community Learning Centers-make a positive difference for students, families, schools, and communities. (book description)