Fall 2018

HOMESCHOOLIOWA.ORG

eading to college? Joining the workforce? Trying to de-

cide what the next step is in your journey? The library can

help! While you may feel that your time in libraries is over

now that you’ve graduated from High School, there are so many

resources available in libraries that can help with all your post-

secondary needs or interests!

Learning Express Library is a fantastic place to start. Learn-

ing Express is available through any library in the State of Iowa;

check your local library’s website for a link and sign-up instruc-

tions. Once signed in, start at the career preparation tab if you’re

looking at occupations that require a credentialing or testing

process. Multiple jobs are available to research prior to starting a

program to complete, such as caseworkers, culinary arts, law en-

forcement, legal careers, nursing, and teaching. Several occupa-

tions require entrance exams, such as nursing school entrance

exams. Learning Express has multiple practice tests and sugges-

tions for additional resources to check out if you’re interested in

those fields. There are also practice exams for credentialing, such

as becoming an air traffic controller, postal worker, or licensed

real estate agent. The military also has testing requirements, and

these practice exams are included here as well!

For those who are interested in a four-year school program,

Learning Express has a “college students” tab. This includes re-

views for math, reading, grammar/writing, science, and prepara-

tion for graduate school exams. If there is an area of particular

need prior to entering college, or if you find a need during the

middle of the semester, this is a great way to brush up on skills.

Likewise, under the computer skills center, there are tutorials on

basic computer programs, such as the Microsoft Office prod-

ucts, graphics & illustration tools, and other computer/technol-

ogy related tasks. This can be very helpful when using programs

that perhaps you haven’t used in a while, such as formulas and

other tasks in Excel or putting finishing touches on a Powerpoint

Presentation. These tutorials aren’t limited to those attending a

four-year school either; many employers/occupations have an

expectation for knowledge about these programs. Any inter-

ested in knowing more should definitely access them!

Many libraries have these same practice exams or tutorials

in other formats, such as ebooks or traditional print materials.

If your library doesn’t have a particular item, never be afraid to

ask; many libraries are able to borrow items from other librar-

ies for patron use. Likewise, if your professor is asking for you

to read a particular book, check in with the library before pur-

chasing it! Academic libraries at the school you attend may also

have additional copies or resources for students, so make sure to

access both your public and academic library for the best of all

worlds. Iowa Workforce Development also partners with many

Iowa libraries to provide supports in job seeking, resume writ-

ing, cover letter writing, and other employment related topics.

Often, these groups take place at your local library as well; check

with the library staff to see if you library does have a partnership

or if they could provide you with more information.

If you haven’t yet graduated but are starting to think ahead to

post-secondary options, Learning Express has multiple college

admissions test preparation options, including for the ACT and

SAT. There are tutorials and multiple practice exams at your fin-

gertips. There’s also a tab for suggestions and information about

writing college admissions essays. Likewise, checking into cer-

tain careers is an option on Learning Express as well. The choices

are vast in terms of future careers, and you’ve got a bright path

ahead of you!

Libraries in Higher Education

BY MANDY GRIMM, COLUMBUS JUNCTION LIBRARIAN