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How to Study at the Library

Last Updated: March 14, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Ted Coopersmith, MBA . Ted Coopersmith is an Academic Tutor for Manhattan Elite Prep, a test prep and academic tutoring company based in New York City. In addition to general academic advising, Ted has expertise in preparing for the ACT, SAT, SSAT, and ASVAB tests. He also has over 30 years of financial controller advising and consulting experience. He holds a BA from the City University of New York (CUNY) and an MBA from Pace University. This article has been viewed 97,243 times.

Studying at the library can help many students focus better, especially if their only other option is to study in a noisy home or residence hall. Library study is also handy for groups of students who want to study together. The methods used when studying in a group at the library vary slightly from those used when studying alone.

Tips for Studying at the Library

Step 1 Bring any materials you might need.

  • Bring your computer only if absolutely necessary. Some students prefer taking notes on their computer, or some may have digital copies of their textbooks, making a computer or e-reader necessary. If these tools are not essential, though, leave them at your place of residence. Otherwise, they will only serve as distractions.

Step 2 Go to the library's "quiet floor."

  • If your library only has large meeting rooms available, you may not be able to reserve these for individual studying purposes.
  • Note that many libraries offer their study rooms on a first come, first served basis. Essentially, if you arrive at the library and a room is open, you can use it. There may or may not be a time limit in these instances, but the librarian may ask you to leave if you do not appear to be working and others are waiting to use the room.

Studying with a Group

Step 1 Only bring materials that are pertinent to your group work.

  • As with individual study, make sure to bring any textbooks, notebooks, and past assignments need to study for the class or subject you plan on studying with your group. Also bring fresh notebook paper, pens, and highlighters.

Step 2 Stick to a normal floor.

  • For exceptionally large groups, you may want to consider asking about using a large meeting room at the library. These rooms tend to have stricter conditions placed on them.
  • Use an open meeting room if the library will allow it. If a meeting room is not reserved by a group, some libraries may allow you and your study group to meet in there, especially if all the study rooms and other study areas are filled.

Expert Q&A

Ted Coopersmith, MBA

  • Keep your voices down. Even on a floor that is not designated as a quiet floor, you still need to keep your voices down, even if you are actively studying for a class with other group-mates. If you get too loud, you may get a warning from the librarian. If you continue to stay too loud, you may even be asked to leave. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 1
  • Listen to music only if it helps you concentrate. Some people study better with music while others study better in silence. If you do decide to bring an iPod or mp3 player, wear ear buds or headphones and keep the volume low so that others do not need to hear the music, as well. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
  • Set a time limit for yourself. If you know that your study time is limited to a specific stretch of time, you might find it easier to focus during that time. You can even schedule breaks for yourself if you think it will help keep your mind fresh during that time. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1

can i do homework at the library

Things You’ll Need

  • Laptop computer
  • Pens or pencils
  • Highlighters

You Might Also Like

Find Books in a Library

  • ↑ https://thehappyarkansan.com/blog/how-to-study-library/
  • ↑ Ted Coopersmith, MBA. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 12 May 2021.
  • ↑ https://collegeinfogeek.com/create-study-space/
  • ↑ https://www.minuteschool.com/2019/01/which-floor-of-the-library-is-right-for-you/
  • ↑ http://library.gmu.edu/studyrooms/

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Studying in the Library or at Home: What is Better for You?

Updated: October 12, 2022

Published: October 29, 2019

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Studying in the library or at home both present pros and cons. You should conduct a comparative analysis and select an option with the best benefits.

Selecting the location for the study is very important for study motivation and academic success. The appropriate location choice is either the library or at home, depending on your preference. While students prefer the library because it is an academic-based environment, others prefer the comfort of studying at home.

A comparative analysis reveals that although studying in a library has perks, studying at home is more suitable for students. However, it is your choice, and we’ll outline the pros and cons of studying in the library or at home to help you select what is better.

Students studying alone and in groups in a library

Studying in a Library

If you are experiencing trouble focusing in your home environment, you may consider studying at your campus or public library. Libraries are institutions set aside for learning; as such, they offer an academic and studying-friendly environment where you can focus on your studies. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of studying in a library to determine whether it is appropriate for your learning style.

Here are some great benefits of studying in a library.

  • Academic access:  Libraries are academic-centered environments that give you academic access  to diverse educational resources reserved for research and studies. Besides books, journals, and magazines, modern libraries also have internet services and computers where you can access online articles and study resources.
  • Limited distractions:  Everyone attending a library must observe library etiquette, such as observing silence and limiting speech to whispers. Therefore, libraries offer a quiet space with limited distractions, which provides a suitable study environment.
  • Social place: Whether or not you decide to interact with people around you in the library, it still provides a social environment that brings people together. However, you can also choose to speak to the people around you during your study break or engage in group discussions if allowed within the library. A library is also one of the best places to make friends with people you share similar or related academic interests.
  • Ability to ask for assistance: Having several people surround you in a library offers an advantage when you want to ask for help dealing with an academic problem. For instance, if you are studying for algebra examinations, you can request a classmate near you to help you solve an algebra problem.

Disadvantages

Despite the benefits, there are some disadvantages of studying at a library, including;

  • Crowding:  It’s rare to find yourself as the only person studying in a library, and having people around creates many distractions. Campus libraries are often filled with students during examination periods and peak hours. Public libraries attract students, families, children, and researchers, especially during weekends.
  • Time Limits: You must check and leave libraries within a specific time. Libraries are inconvenient for people who like to study very early or very late because they are closed.
  • Meals:  Depending on the library, you may or may not be allowed to carry and eat food within its premises. Libraries that allow food have cafes or vending machines with limited food options, requiring one to carry food.
  • Luggage and Transportation: You may need to pack books, paper, stationery, a laptop, food, and water in your bag when going to the library. Depending on the library location, you may have to walk or take a means of transportation to get to the library.

can i do homework at the library

Studying at Home

If you are comfortable and feel safe at home, you may find it the best place to relax and break free from the monotony of school. It may also offer a suitable studying environment that is free from the classroom and school distractions. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of studying at home to determine whether it is the appropriate environment for your learning style.

You will find the following advantages if you decide to study from home.

  • Everything at your disposal: Studying at home gives you access to all study material without worrying about forgetting something. You may also find it even more convenient if you have a personal computer with access to the internet.
  • Personalized study space:  In your home, you have the freedom to decide and design your study space. You can determine what chair or table and decide whether you will study in your room or the basement.
  • Commute: When studying at home, you do not need to  commute to the library , saving you time and money. You also spare yourself the burden of having to pack and carry books, laptops, and stationery to the library.
  • 24/7 study: An advantage of studying at home is that you can wake up anytime during the day or night to study, unlike in the library, where you have to observe checking and closing hours.
  • Productivity: Provided you have a cooperative family that stays quiet, you can focus on your studies without distractions. They can also assist you in completing your assignments. You also have the opportunity to multitask and engage in household chores to remain productive during study breaks.

Despite its conveniences, studying at home presents some disadvantages, including;

  • Many distractions:  If you have an uncooperative family, you will likely experience disturbance and distraction from siblings, pets, and other family members. You may also be distracted by noise from people taking or listening to music.
  • Procrastination:  Having 24 hours to study at home gives you a false sense of security and extra time, which may result in procrastination . You are also likely to get distracted by sleep, eating, or listening to music which increases procrastination.

Closing Thoughts

From the comparative analysis of studying in the library or at home, it is more advisable to study at home than in the library. Studying at home presents significant advantages in terms of time and personal space and eliminates commutes, which are some of the main drawbacks of studying at the library. However, your preferences may differ, and the library also offers a conducive study space.

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For immediate release | November 27, 2017

A comprehensive resource to help public libraries create and manage homework centers

Creating & Managing the Full-Service Homework Center

CHICAGO — 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, Cindy Mediavilla’s “ Creating & Managing the Full-Service Homework Center ,” published by ALA Editions, 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.

Mediavilla authored “Creating the Full–Service Homework Center in Your Library,” (ALA, 2001), which has been called “the quintessential guide to the practicalities of setting up a formal homework help center to provide one–to–one homework assistance to student patrons” (Intner, “Homework Help from the Library,” ix). In the early 1990s she managed a homework center, called the Friendly Stop, for the Orange (CA) Public Library, and she has been studying after–school homework programs ever since. She has published several articles on the topic and has evaluated homework programs for the Long Beach and Los Angeles public libraries. She has made presentations on homework help programs at the conferences of several major library associations, and she has also conducted many workshops on the topic.

ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide. ALA Editions and ALA Neal-Schuman publishes resources used worldwide by tens of thousands of library and information professionals to improve programs, build on best practices, develop leadership, and for personal professional development. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a growing range of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions at (800) 545-2433 ext. 5052 or [email protected].

Related Links

"Creating & Managing the Full-Service Homework Center"

"The Student’s Survival Guide to Research"

"Homework Help from the Library: In Person and Online"

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Why You Should Start Doing Homework at the Library

4 reasons to start doing homework at the library.

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It seems like kids have so much homework these days and their afternoon can turn into an overextended study session pretty quickly. With all of these assignments, it’s especially important for students to be able to study efficiently, complete their assignments, and move on to other activities. One of the best ways for students to achieve this is to work in an environment free from distraction. This might be from noise, social media, or just general distractions in the environment. The library is one of the best places for students to find the research material they need and complete their assignments without too much trouble – our private Los Angeles tutors are here to help you with your studies.

1. A quiet environment

Libraries provide a quiet environment where students are unlikely to be exposed to noise above a whisper. This helps them focus on the task in front of them and helps them concentrate on the difficult material. Students can work at a traditional desk, or they can relax in stuffed chairs and couches while reading books for school. Also, most libraries have a children’s section with a study environment more appropriate for kids in K through 2nd grade. In many instances, students can get their assignments done much quicker if they have an environment that specifically meant for studying.

2. Homework help

A library is also a great place for students to work with their study group or a tutor. Libraries have lots of private study rooms that can be reserved in advance and allow students a more private environment where they can talk at a normal level and work through a study guide or assignment. These spaces are especially helpful to middle and high school students who are going to be working with more advanced material or studying for lengthy exams. It’s also an ideal environment for students to meet their tutor and talk about the subject of the day (READ: Things Students Can do to Improve Their Grade in English ).

3. Research material

Although many students can access some materials online on their home computer, libraries offer students some academic materials rarely available online. Students can also access these materials free of charge with their library card instead of paying to purchase or rent them from a home computer. If students prefer to use their personal computer, they can certainly set themselves up at one of the study spaces and enjoy the library’s Wi-Fi. Students tend to get less distracted and complete assignments quicker when they have all the research material they need right at their fingertips.

4. Encourage literacy

Learning to read is one of the most difficult things a child will do, but it’s also one of the most important. When kids visit the library to do their homework, they are also exposed to a ton of fun reading material appropriate for their grade level. Students who get to try out different books are more likely to be excited about the prospect of improving their reading skills and can start to view the activity as something fun rather than a chore. Whether kids read-only while they’re at the library or take one or two books home to read during the week, visiting the library is a great way to encourage literacy and increase any child’s love of learning in general.

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Homework Help in the Library: What’s it All About?

Does your public library provide homework support for teens? Chances are the answer is “yes.” Many (or most) public library websites offer a homework help section, full of links to databases, websites, and librarian-approved search engines. You may offer other homework support services as well, like subscriptions to student-friendly databases, a collection of print materials specifically for school assignments, or special programs (for example, late night hours during exam times) for studiers. Some public librarians work hard to connect with teachers and media specialists in order to learn what’s happening in the classroom and supplement and support what’s happening in the schools.

On its face, homework support is a positive and obvious service for a public library to offer. School libraries are not usually open late in the day, which means students often need a place to work on homework and access resources. As a publicly funded institution, shouldn’t the public library be spending some of its dollars on homework-related activities that complement what happens in the school library and the classroom? Perhaps we take public library homework support for granted and need to start asking questions about how it works and the purpose it serves. For example, consider the following:

  • Do teens really take advantage of the homework support libraries provide? Are teens using the web resources provided by the public library? Do they use most of the print materials available in the library’s physical collection purchased specifically as homework help?
  • Are the services that public libraries provide teens in the homework realm what teens really need? How does the librarian know?
  • When a library provides homework help on the web – usually a list of links sometimes organized by category – who is this really provided for? Teens, parents, teachers, anyone searching the web online?
  • Why do public libraries provide homework support? Is it because everyone else does it? Is it because they say in library school that public libraries need to provide homework support to teens? Have you really asked yourself that question?

We propose that there is a belief that public libraries have to provide homework support because everyone else does. It’s just a given. Perhaps there is also an assumption that other libraries’ programs are working well; therefore, if a homework help program isn’t enjoying much success, a librarian might feel as though those failures are indicative of a challenge specific to their own community or library. But, what if no (or very few) public libraries have successful homework support programs for teens? And, how does anyone know if the homework support is successful? Are there specific evaluation measures implemented for that kind of thing?

What are the hallmarks of excellent homework support? Perhaps for the answer we should look to schools. This is where one starts to realize that homework support might not fit into the public library as most think that it does. Looking toward schools, we see that that excellent support requires a strong knowledge of what students are learning in class. The school librarian should be meeting with teachers on a regular basis and examining the school curriculum; the public librarian does not have the chance to do this (at least not as consistently as the school librarian). While a public library can do its best to offer a collection of materials for students, the reality is that these cannot be tailored to students’ needs in the same way that a school collection can.

Homework support must also be assessed through the examination of students’ skill building; again, public librarians do not have the opportunity to do this, as they do not spend the same amount of time with students – nor do they observe students doing the same activities. For example, a public librarian might observe a student finding and reading materials; a school librarian will have the opportunity to observe (and guide) search strategies, information analysis, topic refining, note-taking, information synthesis, and even writing. Without knowing the exact needs of the student – including their individual challenges and strengths – it is very difficult to provide the best services possible.

Finally, are public libraries asking teens if they want or need homework support? Again, this gets back to the idea that public libraries might offer these services simply because it is an expectation. But without teen input, librarians may find themselves spinning their wheels, spending money and staff time on materials and programs that are underused, and building websites that are rarely visited. All of this can feel discouraging.

We’ve got one more post on this topic in the works and in that post we will explore types of homework help that work and ways that libraries can move forward in supporting teen homework needs successfully.

Until then: what do you think? Does homework support belong in the public library? What’s been your experience offering this service? If you’re a school librarian, what do you think are the best ways to support students in their information gathering and studying?

We look forward to hearing your thoughts.

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9 Thoughts on “ Homework Help in the Library: What’s it All About? ”

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The public library’s role in homework help is not singular, and many teens do need and do use the public library for these particular aspects of homework support: space that is convivial for group work on evenings and weekends; public space that can give them the privacy and “away” time they may need from crowded homes in order to concentrate without outlay of cash; nonjudgmental staff who can’t influence their final grade, no matter how much “help” is needed to round up the information that they feel will satisfy their homework needs; access to an adult who has sufficient academic English to be able to communicate (if only by listening and asking clarifying questions) about an assignment. Public libraries don’t provide high level expert advice on investing, but they are the “right place” for those with investment concerns to bring some of their work; same goes for students with assignments that, homework being what it is, requires them to investigate outside the classroom.

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Hi Francisca, I think we’re much on the same page here. One thing Linda and I have talked a lot about – and will discuss in our next post – is how public libraries CAN best support teens when it comes to homework, and all of the things you mention above are exactly what we discussed. I think where we are being a bit more critical (that is probably too strong a word, but I just mean looking with a critical eye) is with public libraries trying to provide the *same* services as school libraries – via homework help sites, database access, and a print collection – which, frankly, isn’t really possible. But in terms of supporting teens as they study, offering a comfortable, friendly place where they can work alone or with friends, and even answering research questions, these are all excellent services. Sarah

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We have a very successful homework help/tutoring program at our library. It’s a partnership with the local high school campus (which actually contains three high schools) – the members of their National Honor Society provide homework help/tutoring for K-12 students at the library three nights a week during the school year (they’re also at the other public library utilized by our school system two nights a week). The NHS tutors are busy almost all the time and we’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response to the program. We sometimes have more people than they can help, in fact, though they handle it pretty well. We’ve made it a fairly self-sustaining program with the burden of timing and so forth on the NHS tutors, so the staff commitment is minimal. It’s been a great partnership and really fills a need that our staff would otherwise be unable to address.

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Providing homework help in the form of resources, space and helpful staff is core to a public library mission. We are an essential piece of the after school support network. We provide online resources, online tutoring, 24\7 information, group workspace, computers, books, and other tools for teens to use.

@Anne – that sounds like a great program. I tried to offer a similar program in my last position, at a public library, and struggled to help the students with their work; at the time I thought “it would be great to have peer tutors,” but that seemed like such a daunting task and I didn’t have time to come up with a plan before I left. Thanks for sharing that – it sounds like it’s very successful and a great way to support teens.

@Mary – how are all of those resources being used? I’m especially curious about the online resources, tutoring, and 24/7 information. Do you find that a lot of teens are taking advantage of those tools? Do you work with the schools to select books and online resources? Thanks!

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I think what materials (and possibly even if) a public library offers in terms of homework support is largely dependant upon what the school or school system offers. After geneology researchers, high school students were the biggest users of our online services until 3-4 years ago. At that point the public schools in my area started offering the same—and in some cases like the hard sciences even superior—–resources to their students. Not surprisingly, usage of a number of our online products dropped significantly and we have been considering cuts in those areas. There have been talks lately about trying to partner with the public school system so we don’t duplicate quite as many services, but it’s hard because historically there has been little cooperation between the two very separate agencies.

It would be hard for us to get rid of the resources at this point, though, because I know a number of small private schools and homeschoolers in the area really depend on us providing access to the digital content.

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Matt, you bring up some really interesting points and what really strikes me is the need to continually evaluate what’s going on in the community in terms of homework help for students and determine on a regular basis what needs to continue and what needs to change.

The comment about homeschoolers and private schools is a good one and I guess I’d still want to know how much/many of the resources are used by that group? I do know that those can be important populations for a library community so having resources for them is key. But, are there still resources and formats that could be re-thought and that population would still be served successfully?

The school/library cooperation piece is really central in this discussion. If librarians from the school and the library can work together to make sure that there is overlap only when it makes sense and figure out exactly who offers what in the ways that support teen learning then it’s a win-win for everyone. I’m curious Matt, have you and your colleagues started to brainstorm ways to break down some of the barriers that exist in order to provide homework support in the ways necessary? If so, it would be great to read about some of the ideas.

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Our local school districts (and we serve 15 districts) have pretty much dismantled their database collections, leaving the public library as the only source for periodical access, and in too many cases, even reference materials like “opposing viewpoints”. We know teachers are using thier cards to provide access to these resources in classrooms and in school libraries. We absolutely have to look at how it is and isn’t appropriate for us to support students, but that’s happening in an environment where schools and school libraries aren’t able to support student’s *classroom* needs, let alone their homework needs.

I’m very sensitive to the truth that students need school libraries, and that the public library isn’t, can’t and shouldn’t be a substitute. We tread very carefully when we’re asked to come in to a school that’s lost its library, in order to promote what resources we do have. But the kids are between a rock and a hard place, and the kids are the priority.

Sarah, kids are the priority and the focus should be on how we help them to succeed no matter what.

I’m curious in your system, do you find that students/teens are using the homework help resources from databases to print materials to web links? How are the librarians you work with succeeding in making good connections between teens and those materials?

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Library Homework-Help Resources Are Available Nationwide

Statewide and cross-country services link students and their questions about school assignments with educators who can guide them.

This resource article accompanies the article " The New Homework Helper ."

While New York City's Dial-A-Teacher Whiteboard is ahead of the curve, there are other useful services for homework help throughout the country. Here's a sample:

Tutor.com has a deal with more than 1,000 libraries nationwide in which library members can get free online homework help. Using a valid library-card number, students log in from their home computer or one at the library. They are encouraged to have one specific question, and the average session is about 20 minutes with a qualified tutor in the subject area.

To find out whether your local library offers this service, call Tutor.com at (800) 411-1970 ext. 228 and ask their representative. Also, search for your local library online and then check its home page, where its homework-help service, if it has one, is usually promoted.

Tutor.com also offers this service to library members in four states: Alabama, Alaska , Kansas, and Rhode Island. (You must be located in a particular state to access some of the links.)

Through Florida's Miami-Dade County Public Schools Dial-A-Teacher site, students can call for homework help at (305) 995-1600 Monday-Thursday, 5-8 p.m. The service is primarily for students in the Miami-Dade school system, but the tutors don't turn away others who call. There's always a Spanish-speaking teacher available, and some nights there are also French-speaking and Haitian Creole–speaking teachers. The service has been hit hard by budget cuts but expects to be in business at least through March 2010.

In New Mexico, the Albuquerque Teacher Federation offers a free Dial-A-Teacher homework service available statewide at (800) 947-8839.

Ohio has a free service, called Homework Now, staffed by professional librarians available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, to help students with homework and research.

Malaika Costello-Dougherty is a senior editor at Edutopia .

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Can I do homework in the library?

Yes, you can study anywhere in the library. Second floor carrels are for quiet study. Small group discussions are ok on the first floor but do be considerate of other students.

Students may also use the Study Hub and ask the writing or math tutors for help if needed. A group of 3 or more students may check-out the Group Discussion Room key.

Use your UH username and password to use computers and laptops in the library.  

Yes, you can study by yourself in the quiet areas on the 2nd floor. If you are studying as a group, please use the larger tables on the 1st floor as the 1st floor is not a quiet zone.

  • Last Updated Aug 11, 2022
  • Answered By Joy Oehlers

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36 things you can do at the library

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month and Shreve Memorial Library is joining the American Library Association and libraries across the nation to encourage everyone to get a free library card. Having a library card not only allows you to check out great books, DVDs, and other materials at the library, but also provides you with access to a wide variety of digital resources and online databases. Plus, a free library card is the key to an endless list of possibilities. You might be surprised to learn all of the things you can do with a library card. Here is a quick rundown of 36 things to do at the library. Get to know your Library ABCs!

A – Attend an event with an author. Many library branches host local authors for book talks and book signings.

B – Borrow books, DVDs and more! We’re more than just books at the library. We have DVDs, CDs, Playaway Launchpad tablets for kids, and much more.

C – Create your own work of art. Have you attended one of our painting programs lately? Many branches host events where you can get creative by drawing, sculpting, painting, or making.

D – Download items even when the library isn’t open! Visit the Shreve Memorial Library E-Branch to borrow e-books, audiobooks, videos, magazines, and more for your computer, smartphone or tablet.

E – Experience the library after closing time. Did you know that some branches have lock-ins or after-hours events that let you experience the library in a different way?

F – Find assistance with your job search. Classes and resources from the library can help you learn skills, build your resume, and prepare you for a career.

G – Get homework help from a tutor online. Access Homework Louisiana through the library to get tutoring help for students in kindergarten through college.

H – Hear a story. Children can hear a story come alive at the library and learn to love reading.

I – Improve your technology skills. Take a computer class at the library to discover more about technology.

J – Join a book club. Now is a perfect time to join a book club, especially with One Book One Parish coming up in October. This year’s One Book One Parish title is Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward.

K – Keep the library in your pocket with apps. Our digital services, such as Overdrive, Flipster and Hoopla, have apps for your smartphone or tablet.

L – Learn about your family’s history. Visit the Genealogy Department at our Broadmoor Branch to discover your family tree.

M – Meet with your friends, organizations and clubs. Did you know that you can reserve meeting rooms at the library free of charge? You can!

N – Navigate your resources to find the information you need. Whether it is for work or play, we can help you find information. Just ask and we’ll be glad to help.

O – Obtain the latest movies, music, bestsellers and more. If you are looking for the latest movies and books, check out the new releases section at your library. You can also put a hold on popular items.

P – Put seeds in the ground and watch them grow. Atkins Branch has a garden that grows fruits and vegetables, and many of our branches host speakers to teach gardening.

Q – Quiet yourself from your busy life. Dive into a good book and relax in one of our branches or participate in a yoga, meditation or coloring class.

R – Research your unique interests in our Special Collections. Main Branch is home to our Special Collections, which contain government documents, legal information, Louisiana resources, and oil and gas industry publications.

S – Study the wonders of STEAM. Science, technology, engineering, art and math programs are offered at many branches as a fun way to engage learners of all ages.

T – Teach yourself another language. You can learn to speak one of 80 languages using the online resource Pronunciator.

U – Use a computer and access Wi-Fi. All of our branches have public access to computers. If you have your own device, go online with our Wi-Fi.

V – Visit the branch closest to you. With 21 branches throughout Shreveport and Caddo Parish, there’s sure to be a branch nearby.

W – Watch a movie. Movie and popcorn at the library? Why, of course! Many library branches hold movie screenings. Check out the branch calendar to see what’s playing next.

X – Explore! (Okay, so it’s not quite an “X” but it fits close enough.) No matter your interests, you will find something new to explore at the library.

Y – Yarn with the best of them. You can hear a story or join a knitting class. Either way, you can yarn with the best of them at the library.

Z – Zero in on the information you need... now. You can text a librarian, or even use chat or email, to find the information you need.

So are you convinced you need a library card, yet? Be sure to sign up for a library card this September and put your card to use. I’ll see you at Shreve Memorial Library, where you can dream, discover and do!

Samantha Bonnette is marketing & development manager at Shreve Memorial Library.

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Home > online presence > Places To Go When Home Distractions Keep You From Studying

Places To Go When Home Distractions Keep You From Studying

Quiet Study Places

If the home life is full of distractions, whether they’re interruptions from siblings, roommates, or parents or your own desire to reach for the remote, you may need to just head out the door.

Libraries. The go-to place for most students is the campus or local public library, where they can be assured of the quiet because, well, they’re libraries. A look through the stacks also might lead you to informational treasures that can kick your work up a notch.

Recommended quiet spots. Many colleges will provide a list of quiet places on campus that are ideal for studying. Do a Google search on your own school or ask other students for their top choices.

Coffee houses. The need to cram for a test or push through a paper often leads students to this staple of study time for a boost of caffeine. More background noise than the library, but for some people, a coffee shop provides a nice alternative to the noise of a television or radio.

A friend’s house or apartment. Sometimes, it’s just about getting away. If a friend is known to be quiet or will be away from home, this might provide a place that has the comforts of home without all the distractions.

Local parks. When the weather is nice, a park can be a great place to write a paper or complete homework, especially when all the research already has been completed. Just plant yourself on a bench or bring a blanket and spread out.

Museums. Like libraries, these can be relatively quiet places. Plant yourself on a bench in front of your favorite painting or sculpture for inspiration or find a spot in the coffee shop or restaurant.

Cabin or inn. If you can, renting a cabin at a state park with its spare furniture and ready access to nature may be just the thing you need to get that paper written. Depending on the time of year and location, a cabin may be had for less than $50 per night.

These places may offer good environments for working – but keep your Internet needs in mind because not all places may provide WiFi.

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Is Homework Really Necessary?

can i do homework at the library

Did you get all your homework done?

We’ve all heard that phrase one too many times before, and now it triggers your fight-or-flight response. Every waking thought is about an assignment you should be doing or that project you really should start but you just can’t bring yourself to face it. Is all this homework really necessary?  

Unfortunately, it just might be. Is the homework itself the problem, or is it the amount we end up with after classes are over for the day and your bed is looking really comfy? To figure all this out we have to remember why we get homework in the first place and what school would be like without it.  

In the very early 1900s, homework was actually considered unhealthy for children and was classified as child labor because it interfered with their ability to do chores around the house. The U.S. Department of Education called homework a tool for “boosting educational quality” when it was reinstated, and it became mandatory in 1986 after being rejected for so long, as recorded by the University of San Diego.  

It’s always good to look at the pros and cons of something when deciding how you feel about it. So, what does homework do for us? Quite a few things actually.  

First let’s address the elephant in the room. No one enjoys homework unless you’re a camp and outdoor adventure leadership (COAL) major. We all have something we would rather spend our time on; that’s just the way it is.  

However, when that test rolls around, most of us are glad we stayed late at the library until we understood what we were reading. According to the University of San Diego, students only absorb 50% of what they hear in a class lecture. If that’s all you had to learn from, keeping your GPA above a 3.5 would be considered a superpower.  

Whether we like it or not, homework helps us retain important information and truly grasp the concepts we are studying. Hearing about it once from your professor is great, but life as a college student is so busy that your chances of remembering everything you heard in all of your classes are next to none. Repetition is the key to retention, and other than experience training, studying the material you were given and doing your homework is how you’re going to graduate.  

Then why is it such a problem? Why is it affecting people so negatively? No degree is worth your mental health; it’s time to look at the cons of homework.  

I believe the real problem with homework is the amount of it. Yes, we need it to learn, but our brains can only handle so much at a time. Oftentimes the standard college workload demands that we push our minds past the limit or face a late penalty. This is what causes the exhaustion and resentment that we constantly push through for the sake of good grades and gold chords.  

 Studies conducted by the American Psychological Association and the U.S. Department of Health say shorter study sessions per day and more consistency over a longer period of time is the best way to retain information while not pushing yourself to your mental limit. However, there is so much to be done that studying for a mere three hours a day isn’t even practical.  

Students would actually be able to study in a healthy way and retain information long term if we were not assigned and asked to complete in one week what psychological studies say should take at least two.   

So, to answer the question: Yes, homework is definitely necessary. The real problem is how much we are required to process in such a short time.   

As finals inch closer by the day, make a point to take care of your mind and give yourself breaks not only while studying but also from other things that can cloud your brain like social media. Coping with huge workloads is a process, so make lists, take deep breaths and get to bed on time. We’re gonna make it; I promise.  

Barber is the off-campus news editor for the Liberty Champion

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In the Media June 6, 2022

Library Foundation leads efforts to support Do Your Homework tutors

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Library Foundation SD CEO Patrick Stewart discussed the importance of the library’s Do Your Homework @ the Library program and library advocate requests that the city council help the library recruit and retain tutors by making those positions benefitted.

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Do My Coursework

Do Your Homework at the Library

When I was in school, our teacher used to tell us to do our homework on the spot. The teacher would find the books we needed and we’d get them all done in no time. We were praised for doing a good job. Teachers also knew that if they didn’t do homework by the book, they wouldn’t get anything done that day. So they gave us extra homework in class. You know what that meant – it got our attention.

You can do your homework at the library the same way. Start by finding the books you need to do your homework. If the book doesn’t address the topic you need help with, see if someone at the library has written about the topic. Most people who do their homework in school use the Internet as their main research tool.

Now go through all of the books in the library that pertain to your topic. You can do your homework at the library in one of two ways – do your homework online or do your homework in the library. To do your homework online, you will need a computer and a connection to the Internet.

If you do your homework at the library, you will need a notebook or a desk and some paper and your homework completed. If you do your homework in school, you will need all of your homework assignments and workbooks. In either case, bring a pen and paper. It is easier to do your homework at the library than in school, since there is no one to nitpick at your assignments or dictate the research you have to do.

One great thing about do your homework at the library is that you can do your homework from home, so you won’t have to commute. For many students, just being in a place different than class provides a calming effect that helps them relax. In school, you have to be in the classroom and you can’t take your mind off of what your teacher is saying to you. Do your homework in the library, and you can do your homework at home at any time. That means you can do your homework at home during lunch or for a little bit after lunch, and you can do your homework at night.

When you do your homework at the library, you can either use one of the computers they have there or type up your assignment on your own laptop. Most of the time, you will find that most of the librarians there are helpful and will be glad to assist you. They can also sometimes help you with additional information if you have questions. When you do your homework at the library, you get out of the grind of getting ready in the morning, getting to class and coming back to find your assignment has been completed, and then starting your day again.

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On therapy – a Q&A with Dr. Andy Bernstein

This interview with Dr. Andy Bernstein from the Southern Arizona Psychological Association (SAPA) was conducted by Hilary T., Dusenberry-River Library and co-founding member of the Synapse Team.

can i do homework at the library

From Dr. Bernstein:

All of these responses are my own personal views, and they are limited to seeking and working with therapists in the private sector.  Some responses are applicable to working with providers in the public mental health system, but that is generally a very different kind of help space, and one in which consumers have a bit less “freedom” to choose individual providers.

How can I find a therapist near me?

Two methods, other than looking at lists from your health insurance carrier, and asking friends and colleagues, are looking at the (1) Psychology Today website and (2) the SAPA website .

What if a therapist I would like to see doesn't take my insurance?

You can either pay their fees completely out-of-pocket, or try to find a different therapist who is in your plan’s network.  Some therapists who are not “in-network” can still be affordable if your insurance plan has an “out-of-network” benefit, which will reimburse you for some portion of the therapist’s fee.  In that case, you will most likely have to pay the therapist their whole fee up front, and then submit a claim form to your insurance for re-imbursement.  It would be wise to find out from your insurance how much they will “cover”.

How long do I need to wait typically to start therapy?

It depends almost completely on therapist availability, but also on what kind of flexibility you have with your own schedule.  There typically are fewer open “slots” in therapists’ practices for evening and weekend hours, and more for hours during the week.

What can I expect in the first session of therapy?

At the very least, there should be some discussion of the nature of the therapy relationship, the rules and limitations of confidentiality, and what situation is bringing you into therapy in the first place.  Also, perhaps, what kind of experience you’ve had in the past, if any, being in therapy. 

Is my information confidential? If I tell my therapist something personal, how do I know my therapist won't tell someone else?

Material discussed in a psychotherapy context is considered “protected health information,” and all therapists are bound by the rules and ethics of their profession related to maintaining client privacy and confidentiality. There are exceptions, however, and these need to be made clear at the outset. One exception is when someone indicates that they are seriously planning to hurt or kill someone, including themselves, and another is when a therapist learns or even suspects that a child or a vulnerable adult is being abused.  A therapist—like a teacher or any medical provider—is what is referred to as a "mandated reporter" in our state, which means that he or she has a legal responsibility to report child or vulnerable adult abuse to appropriate authorities, such as the Department of Child Safety or Adult Protective Services.  All of this should be discussed at the very beginning of a therapy relationship, so that you as the client or patient understand what is confidential and what is not.

How long will my therapy go on?

This depends on many factors, including what you are trying to accomplish by being in therapy as well as the kind of therapy the therapist does.  There are long- and short-term kinds of therapy, and doing some research about this is a good idea for people not familiar with therapy.  Also, what starts out as one goal in therapy sometimes morphs into another one, legitimately, as you begin to understand more and more about your situation and even your life.

What are the benefits of therapy?

When it goes well, you can feel more clear and resolved about issues you are struggling with or confused by, and you can even end up feeling empowered and more hopeful about many aspects of your life.  If you are in a great deal of distress about a situation, a relationship, or some other kind of personal challenge, a good therapy experience can help reduce this distress, but not necessarily in the first few sessions.  It can take time, especially if your difficulty has been chronic.  And sometimes people feel worse before they feel better, such as when they have not yet confronted or dealt with the magnitude or the implications of their problem(s).  Again, this depends on why you are in therapy in the first place. 

can i do homework at the library

How can I tell if I am making progress?

You should be feeling better in some ways, or more clear about what your options are and how you can deal with what’s troubling you.  But it’s usually worth discussing this with the therapist, and hopefully coming to a joint understanding of how things are going.  Let a combination of your heart and your mind be your guide, however.

This therapist doesn't feel like a good match to me. What should I do next?

Two choices.  You can just decide unilaterally that it’s not working, and let the therapist know that you are going to stop coming, or you can bring up with the therapist your perception that it’s a bad match, and explain why you feel that way.  That takes some courage, insight, and self-confidence on your part, but it can sometimes lead to a valuable discussion around your expectations for getting help and how you experience and deal with unsatisfying relationships in general.  A good therapist will generally not try to convince someone to stay in therapy with them if the person is really feeling strongly that it's not a good situation to be continuing, and many of us will suggest some alternative folks to try working with

can i do homework at the library

Is it normal to feel afraid to start therapy?

Usually, at least a little bit, because presumably you are starting therapy out of a wish to change something in your life, and change is generally unsettling and often scary.  But if in the past you have had good experiences with therapy, and you are going to be working with someone who has been recommended by people you trust, then the fear factor can quickly be reduced, and some relief might actually take its place.

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education.vic.gov.au

School operations

Restraint and Seclusion

  • Implementation of the policy and guidelines
  • Critical information about restraint and seclusion
  • When physical restraint and seclusion are permitted

When physical restraint and seclusion are prohibited

  • Use of physical restraint and seclusion
  • Immediate response to a physical restraint or seclusion incident
  • Provide support

Document the incident

  • Reflect on, review and learn from the physical restraint or seclusion incident
  • Professional development
  • The principal behaviour support adviser
  • Department roles and responsibilities
  • Definitions for restraint and seclusion

This policy outlines when physical restraint and seclusion are permitted to be used in Victorian government schools and lists practices that are not permitted to be used in Victorian government schools. This policy details reporting and notification requirements and the responsibilities school and Department staff have in relation to incidents of physical restraint and seclusion.

  • Physical restraint and seclusion are only permitted within Victorian government schools in exceptional circumstances where it is immediately required and reasonably necessary to protect the safety of a student or another person. Physical restraint and seclusion are not permitted at any other time.
  • No person – including a parent/carer, clinician, practitioner, or student – can authorise, consent to, or approve the use of physical restraint or seclusion in a school.
  • Every instance of physical restraint and seclusion must be reported as an incident on eduSafe Plus, the department’s online incident reporting and hazard management system, or by calling the Incident Support and Operations Centre (ISOC) on 1800 126 126 .
  • Every instance of physical restraint and seclusion require schools, regions, and central office to undertake specified actions according to the severity rating of the incident.

Application of this policy

The Restraint and Seclusion Policy and Guidelines applies to all Victorian government schools, school staff, external practitioners and volunteers working closely with students. Schools must ensure non-school Department staff working with students are provided with a link to this policy.

Schools must not develop local policies to replace this one.

It is the responsibility of the school principal to ensure that this policy and associated guidance are complied with within their school. Principals and staff are encouraged to revisit this policy on an annual basis through discussion at staff meetings, professional development, or training sessions.

Schools must ensure that this policy is communicated to new staff on induction and included as a link in staff handbooks/manuals.

Schools must comply with existing obligations to protect the privacy of students and data when managing incidents of physical restraint and seclusion.

Schools may communicate this policy to their school community by placing a link to it on their website or their local student wellbeing and engagement policy – refer to the School Policy Templates Portal: Student Wellbeing and Engagement External Link (staff login required) for a template policy.

This policy is supported by the Restraint and Seclusion Guidelines and Resources .

What is physical restraint?

Physical restraint is the use of physical force to prevent, restrict or subdue the movement of a student’s body or part of their body. Students are not free to move away when they are being physically restrained.

A plain English version of this definition is that physical restraint is when someone physically stops a student from moving.

Physical restraint does not include protective physical interventions which use physical contact to block, deflect or redirect a student's actions, or disengage a student's grip, but from which a student can move freely away.

What is seclusion?

Seclusion refers to leaving a student alone in a room or area from which they are prevented from leaving by a barrier or another person. This includes situations where a door is locked as well as where the door is blocked by other objects or held closed by another person.

A plain English version of this definition is that seclusion is when a student is in a room or space on their own that they cannot get out of.

This definition of seclusion does not include supervised situations (where student activity is overseen or watched over by a staff member) such as:

  • where one or a few students are taught away from their peers
  • exiting a student from their class for the purposes of supporting the student’s ability to re-engage with the class at a later point
  • the temporary removal of a student from their regular classroom activities because their behaviour significantly interferes with the learning of other students, the capacity of a teacher to teach all students, or where the student’s behaviour creates a risk of harm to themselves or others
  • a behaviour intervention strategy that directs a student away from an activity in one area to another to prevent an escalation of behaviour
  • the suspension, detention, or expulsion of a student
  • exam and other situations where a student can freely exit an area.

Authorisation to use physical restraint and seclusion

Regulation 25 (Restraint from danger) of the Education and Training Reform Regulations 2017 provides that a member of staff of a government school may take any reasonable action that is immediately required to restrain a student of the school from acts or behaviour that are dangerous to the member of staff, the student, or any other person. The Restraint and Seclusion Policy authorises school staff to use physical restraint and seclusion when reasonable and immediately required to protect the member of staff, the student, or any other person from acts or behaviour that might be dangerous to them. The primary purpose of using physical restraint and seclusion is to prevent harm to a student or someone else.

Children cannot consent to being physically restrained or secluded.

Parents/carers cannot consent to the use of physical restraint or seclusion.

Clinicians or practitioners cannot authorise, consent to, or approve the use of physical restraint or seclusion in a school. If this occurs, contact the Principal Behaviour Support Adviser by email: [email protected]

Use of physical restraint and seclusion to prevent immediate harm

Victorian government school staff may only use physical restraint and seclusion where:

  • there is an imminent threat of physical harm or danger to a student or others and
  • the physical restraint and seclusion are reasonable in all the circumstances and
  • there is no less restrictive measure available in the circumstances.

During physical restraint and seclusion incidents, the student/s must be visually monitored for signs of distress and pain to ensure the student’s physical health is not jeopardised and that the student, other students, and staff are safe.

Staff must ensure that the use of physical restraint and seclusion is time limited and that it stops as soon as the immediate threat of harm or danger to the student or others has passed.

School staff must never use physical restraint and seclusion as behaviour management techniques, for convenience, as retaliation, or to discipline or punish a student.

Physical restraint must never be used where it has the effect of:

  • covering a student’s mouth or nose, or in any way interferes with breathing
  • taking a student to the ground into the prone or supine position
  • putting stress on a student’s joints
  • applying pressure to the neck, back, chest or joints
  • deliberately applying pain to gain compliance
  • intentionally causing a student to fall
  • having a person sitting, lying, or kneeling on a student.

The following behaviours are prohibited:

  • headlocks, choke holds, basket holds, bear hugs, therapeutic holding or wrestling holds (including full or half nelsons)
  • using a hog-tied position
  • straddling any part of a student's body
  • dragging a student along the ground.

Physical restraint and seclusion must never be included in a student plan including behaviour support and student safety plans.

Designated seclusion rooms and areas that are primarily used for the purpose of seclusion are prohibited.

Preventing a student from leaving an area normally used by students with a locking mechanism is prohibited.

Doors and door handles installed in such a manner as to prevent a student from leaving the room unassisted are prohibited.

Physical restraint is not permitted to be used to vaccinate a student.

Actions required after an incident of physical restraint or seclusion

Report the incident.

Notify the principal. Staff members involved in the incident must immediately notify the principal or their delegate.

Every incident of physical restraint or seclusion with a ‘low’ or ‘medium’ severity rating must be reported as an incident on eduSafe Plus , the department’s online incident reporting and hazard management system. Every incident of physical restraint and seclusion with a ‘high’ or ‘extreme’ severity rating must be reported to ISOC on 1800 126 126 who will lodge the eduSafe Plus report.

Notify parents/carers. The principal or their delegate must, as soon as practicable (for example, within the same school day), inform parents/carers following an incident in which physical restraint or seclusion has been used with their child.

Employee misconduct

The use of physical restraint or seclusion outside the Restraint and Seclusion Policy may also constitute reportable conduct in circumstances where the restraint or seclusion could also be an allegation of:

  • physical violence committed against, with or in the presence of a child
  • behaviour causing significant emotional or psychological harm to a child
  • significant neglect of a child.

The principal or regional director must:

  • report such incidents on eduSafe Plus or by calling the Incident Support and Operations Centre (ISOC) in accordance with Managing and Reporting School Incidents (including emergencies)
  • notify the Employee Conduct Branch (ECB) as soon as possible after becoming aware of a reportable allegation involving any employees, contractors, volunteers (including parents), allied health staff and school council employees. The ECB assess allegations and, if appropriate, report allegations to the Commission for Children and Young People. The ECB can be contacted by telephone on 03 7022 0005 or by email via [email protected]

Provide support to those involved

Following the use of physical restraint or seclusion, appropriate supports must be offered to all affected students, including, but not limited to, physical and psychological needs and ongoing monitoring and recovery support.

Where an incident impacts on the health, safety, and wellbeing of staff, the principal or delegate must submit an eduSafe Plus report and consider whether a report to WorkSafe is required (contactable on 1800 136 089 ). Staff should be encouraged to access the Employee Assistance Program for counselling support following an incident.

Schools must document every incident of physical restraint and seclusion. Written records must be added to the Computerised Administrative System Environment for Schools (CASES21).

Reflect, review and plan

Following an incident of physical restraint or seclusion, the school must consider any preventative and de-escalation strategies that might reduce the likelihood of an incident happening again.

Legal framework for this policy

Regulation 25 of the Education and Training Reform Regulations 2017 provides that a member of staff of a government school may take any reasonable action that is immediately required to restrain a student of the school from acts or behaviour that are dangerous to the member of staff, the student, or any other person. The Restraint and Seclusion Policy and Guidelines translate the regulation for school use, outlining when physical restraint and seclusion are permitted to be used, identifying prohibited practices, and providing details on reporting and notification requirements of school staff.

School principals, teachers and all staff working with students in a school have a legal duty of care to students to take reasonable steps to minimise the risk of reasonably foreseeable harm to students. This duty of care cannot be delegated to others.

It is also unlawful to directly or indirectly discriminate against a student based on their disability. The definition of disability under discrimination legislation is wide and includes behaviour that is a symptom or manifestation of a disability. In these cases, physical restraint and seclusion may amount to discrimination as a form of unfavourable treatment of a student because of their disability where reasonable adjustments have not been made.

The Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities requires Victorian government school staff to act consistently with human rights and to consider relevant human rights, including the rights of students to be treated with respect and dignity, when making decisions, including decisions about student behaviour that poses an imminent threat of physical harm or danger to the student or others.

Under the minimum standards for school registration (Minimum Standards) government schools are required to:

  • follow the department’s policy on Restraint and Seclusion and are not required to have a local policy on restrictive interventions. Government schools should acknowledge that they follow this policy by including a statement in their Student Wellbeing and Engagement policy External Link (staff login required) or similar that ‘restrictive interventions are measures of last resort and may only be used in situations consistent with the department’s Restraint and Seclusion Policy’
  • comply with the Child Safe Standards, which includes a requirement for schools to ensure that staff understand the diverse needs of students, provide support to vulnerable students, and pay particular attention to the needs of students with disability.

See Minimum Standards and School Registration , Child Safe Standards and PROTECT External Link for more information.

Definitions

Refer to the Guidance chapter on Definitions .

Related policies

  • Behaviour – Students
  • Child Safe Standards
  • Duty of Care
  • Minimum Standards and School Registration
  • NDIS Funded Therapy in Schools
  • Protecting Children – Reporting and Other Legal Obligations
  • Records Management – School Records
  • Reporting and Managing School Incidents (including emergencies)
  • Reportable Conduct
  • Schools' privacy policy External Link
  • Sensory Rooms
  • Student Engagement
  • Work-Related Violence in Schools

Relevant legislation

  • Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) External Link
  • Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic) External Link
  • Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) External Link
  • Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Cth) External Link
  • Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) External Link
  • Regulation 24, Corporal punishment not permitted
  • Regulation 25, Restraint from danger
  • Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) External Link
  • Health Records Act 2001 (Vic) External Link
  • Ministerial Order 1038 External Link
  • Ministerial Order 1359 Child Safe Standards (PDF) External Link
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) External Link
  • Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) External Link

Reviewed 12 March 2024

  • Print whole topic

Policy last updated

21 February 2024

  • School councils
  • All Department staff

School Education Programs and Support Inclusive Education Professional Practice

Monroe County libraries introduce automatic renewal for books, DVDs. How it works

can i do homework at the library

Unable to renew your books in-person on time? Don't worry — the Monroe County Library System now has you covered with the introduction of automatic renewals.

Most books, DVDs or other eligible items you borrowed from Monroe County Library System Member libraries will be automatically renewed for you four days before their due date.

Here's what to know about the new automatic renewal system.

How does automatic renewal work?

It's quite simple.

If an item is eligible to be renewed, it will be automatically renewed for you four days before its due date. You will receive an emailed notice to let you know which items you've checked out have been renewed.

The notice will list each renewed item and their new due dates. You will also be notified of any items not renewed and a coming due notice will be sent out the next day.

Loan periods will extend from the current due dates and renewal periods will be the same length as the original loan period.

Eligible items can be renewed up to two times automatically and will be if:

  • Nobody else is waiting for a hold on the item
  • There are remaining loan periods available for the item
  • Your library account is in good standing
  • The borrowed item is eligible for general renewal

Renaming Rochester schools: RCSD to rename School 33 for Iris Banister

Do I have to sign up for automatic renewal?

No, it's an automatic service through the Monroe County Library Service.

You can't opt out for auto-renewals either but you can always return items as soon as you're done with them.

Manual renewals are also still an option online by visiting your online account or in-person by stopping by a service desk and manual renewals still count toward the maximum allowed renewal limit, which is most often two renewals.

Which items are not eligible for automatic renewal?

Most physical items — books, DVDs, audiobooks, CDs — are eligible for up to two automatic renewals.

However, there are certain items not eligible , including:

  • Items requested for a hold for another person
  • Items requested from outside Monroe County through Inter-Library Loan
  • Hotspots, VIP Passes and other high-interest items
  • Digital items, such as e-books, e-audiobooks, streaming movies or music

Items are also not eligible for renewal if your library account has expired or is blocked, if fines or fees have reached the maximum allowed or if maximum renewals for an item have been reached.

Emily Barnes is the New York State Team consumer advocate reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Barnes at  [email protected]  or on Twitter  @byemilybarnes .

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

4 ways to connect to the internet for less after the Affordable Connectivity Program expires

steven-vaughan-nichols

I have 2 Gigabits per second (Gbps) of fiber internet in my home for $120 a month. I'm lucky. I have access to that kind of broadband and the money to pay for it. Many people aren't that fortunate. 

On Wednesday, May 1, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) , a critical initiative to provide affordable broadband, ran out of money. That means 23 million households -- roughly 60 million Americans -- will have to choose between paying for internet or paying for food, rent, and other utilities.

Also: The FCC restores net neutrality - here's what it means for the internet

Once upon a time, internet access was a luxury. Today, it's a necessity. We use it to do our jobs, see our doctors, and send our kids to school. And for millions of US citizens, mainly older adults, military veterans, Indigenous communities, people living in the country, and low-income, working families, the internet just became more expensive.

In my ancestral home of Calhoun County, West Virginia, one of the country's least-connected states, over half the population was eligible for ACP. My friends and family who still live there tend to be older and less well-employed. With a population of just over 6,000 people, it's as rural as rural gets. Forget broadband: I still have at least one friend there who's connected to the internet via a dial-up modem (yes, it still exists).

Now, many of them will be facing higher internet bills. It may not sound like much. The ACP only provided a monthly consumer benefit of $30 -- up to $75 for those on qualifying Tribal lands -- to eligible households so they could afford high-speed internet services. But when you're poor, as I was raised, $30 is real money.

The ACP is a political rarity: a policy that most Congress members support. According to a 2023 Public Opinion Strategies and RG Strategies poll , 78% of voters support the ACP, including 64% of Republicans, 70% of independents, and 95% of Democrats.

Unfortunately, even though the bipartisan Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024  (H.R. 6929 and S. 3565) was introduced in Congress in January, both bills have gone nowhere. 

Also:  How to see if your internet provider is overcharging you (or delivering slower speeds)

Both proposals make solid financial sense. The politically neutral Benton Institute for Broadband and Society estimates that the ACP generates $16.2 billion per year in employment income and time saved, which is twice its annual cost. Other research shows the financial benefits could go even further. As Brookings Fellow Blair Levin put it , a February  paper estimates that "for every dollar spent on the ACP, the nation's GDP increases by $3.89." 

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairperson Jessica Rosenworcel wrote in a last-ditch appeal to Congress that "additional funding from Congress is the only near-term solution for keeping the ACP going. If additional funding is not promptly appropriated, the one in six households nationwide that rely on this program will face rising bills and increasing disconnection." She concluded that "time is running out."

So why hasn't Congress moved? Some senior Republican Senators and Representatives say the ACP is just part of the "Biden administration's reckless spending spree" and that it's "speculative to claim that 25 million households will lose broadband if the ACP does not get new funding."

In other words, it's politics. 

How to stay connected for less

So, what can you do in the meantime? 

1. Shop around 

First, look for less expensive internet plans. Slow internet is still better than no internet. 

You should also check to see if your internet service provider (ISP) offers a low-income discount plan. AT&T , Cox , Optimum , Spectrum , and Xfinity , among others, offer inexpensive packages. 

If your ISP doesn't, check Everyone On's provider search page for a new, low-price ISP. 

There's also another Federal program called  Lifeline . For low-income households, it offers a $9.25 monthly subsidy that can be used for home internet service. Unlike the ACP, it's permanently funded, so you won't have to worry about losing it. You can qualify if your income is 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines or if you participate in SNAP, Medicaid, or other federal poverty programs. Check the  Universal Service Fund  to see who offers Lifeline services in your area. 

Also: The best business internet providers of 2024

The non-profit e-waste reclaiming organization Human-I-T also offers low-cost devices and internet services, like this 4G-based option that costs $15 a month. It's only available for people under approved government assistance programs such as SNAP, SSI, or Section 8 Housing, or who have an annual household income within 200% of the Federal poverty level.

A blast from the past, the old-school NetZero ISP still offers a free, albeit very limited,  dial-up plan . When I say limited, I mean 10 hours a month of connectivity. Another low-cost service, FreedomPop , offers 5G services for as little as $10 a month. It only comes with 1 Gigabyte of traffic a month, but it's hard to beat for that price.

2. Buy your own equipment 

You may also be able to cut your ISP bill by buying your own equipment. Many charge around $10 monthly to rent equipment such as cable modems and Wi-Fi access points. You can find new Wi-Fi routers for as little as $50, but really almost any Wi-Fi router you can find should be all you need. You can also check out second-hand stores -- I've found great hardware that way that was worth far more than I paid for it.

Modems are a different story. You usually need one of a handful of specific models to work with your ISP service. Once you've found out which will work for you, you can usually buy one. Yes, it will cost you a pretty penny upfront, but you can likely recoup the price in a year.  

3. Negotiate with your ISP

You can also try haggling with your ISP. If your ISP customer service representative has a choice between losing you as a customer or offering you a lower price, they may give you a better deal. You never know until you try; it's worked for me over the years.

Also: 6 ways to save money on TV streaming without losing the shows you love

If you're struggling to choose between cable TV and the internet, see what bundles your providers offer. Many offer discounted TV/internet packages. You may also be better off with a second-tier ISP/cable provider. Check HighSpeedInternet's TV and internet bundle page for offers as low as $40 a month. Fair warning: Most such plans cost a good deal more.

4. Go to the library 

You probably already know that almost all libraries offer free Wi-Fi. What you may not know is that many also let you borrow a cellular Wi-Fi hotspot. Typically, you can borrow a unit for two weeks, and they come with free connectivity. Most, but not all, use the T-Mobile network, but you don't need a T-Mobile account to use them.

Of course, in the best-case scenario, Congress will eventually reauthorize ACP. But I'm not holding my breath. 

The best VPNs for Android: Expert tested

The best business internet service providers, introducing mobilex at walmart: a simple, affordable approach to wireless service.

COMMENTS

  1. The Dos and Don'ts of Doing Homework at the Library

    For college students, the library is the hub for printing and copying papers, looking for scholarly sources, and, of course, doing homework. Being productive in the library, however, can be challenging: distraction, procrastination, and exhaustion are usually associated with the library. Even the most dedicated lib-goers (library-goers ...

  2. How to Study at the Library: 9 Steps (with Pictures)

    Also bring fresh notebook paper, pens, and highlighters. 2. Stick to a normal floor. If the library is large enough to have a designated quiet floor, stay off of it. Quiet floors are meant for individual study. During a group study session, you will need to speak with other group members.

  3. Frequently Asked Questions

    Read more about visiting the Library. How do I find out about exhibitions and other public events at the Library? The Library's calendar of events lists events and continuing exhibitions. You can also call (202) 707-8000 for a recorded listing of special events. Receive event announcements via e-mail.

  4. Studying in the Library or at Home: What's Better?

    The appropriate location choice is either the library or at home, depending on your preference. While students prefer the library because it is an academic-based environment, others prefer the comfort of studying at home. A comparative analysis reveals that although studying in a library has perks, studying at home is more suitable for students.

  5. Using the Reading Room

    Researchers at work in the Main Reading Room of the Library of Congress. United States Washington D.C. District of Columbia Washington D.C, 2016. October. Photograph. Miller, Shawn M, photographer. The Main Reading Room is open to anyone sixteen or older. All researchers must have a Library-issued Reader Identification Card to use our collections.

  6. A comprehensive resource to help public libraries create and manage

    CHICAGO — 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 ...

  7. Why You Should Start Doing Homework at the Library

    4 Reasons to Start Doing Homework at the Library. It seems like kids have so much homework these days and their afternoon can turn into an overextended study session pretty quickly. With all of these assignments, it's especially important for students to be able to study efficiently, complete their assignments, and move on to other activities.

  8. Homework Help in the Library: What's it All About?

    The public library's role in homework help is not singular, and many teens do need and do use the public library for these particular aspects of homework support: space that is convivial for group work on evenings and weekends; public space that can give them the privacy and "away" time they may need from crowded homes in order to concentrate without outlay of cash; nonjudgmental staff ...

  9. Do Your Homework @ the Library

    The program includes: Free access to paid Coaches who are available to provide assistance and guide students K-8 as they learn. Free access to learning materials, computers, online research tools, and other digital resources available at the library. Homework Help available at these locations: Central Library. City Heights/Weingart Library.

  10. Library Homework-Help Resources Are Available Nationwide

    Through Florida's Miami-Dade County Public Schools Dial-A-Teacher site, students can call for homework help at (305) 995-1600 Monday-Thursday, 5-8 p.m. The service is primarily for students in the Miami-Dade school system, but the tutors don't turn away others who call. There's always a Spanish-speaking teacher available, and some nights there ...

  11. Can I do homework in the library?

    Yes, you can study anywhere in the library. Second floor carrels are for quiet study. Small group discussions are ok on the first floor but do be considerate of other students. Students may also use the Study Hub and ask the writing or math tutors for help if needed. A group of 3 or more students may check-out the Group Discussion Room key.

  12. Who can use the Library's reading rooms? Can I use the Library's

    The Library's Main Reading Room is open to all researchers 16 years or older who present valid photo identification (e.g. driver's license, passport) with a current address at one of the Library's reader registration stations . Please note: Several of the Library's special format reading rooms restrict access to their collections to college ...

  13. 6 Best Places to Study and Do Homework That AREN'T the Library

    Introduction . Let's face it. Doing homework in your room or at your kitchen table gets boring! The same can be said for studying as well-hours on end in the library alone is so 90's and early 2000's.It's so important to acknowledge that space and place plays a huge part in focusing on your homework in order to get it done effectively and efficiently.

  14. 36 things you can do at the library

    Here is a quick rundown of 36 things to do at the library. Get to know your Library ABCs! A - Attend an event with an author. Many library branches host local authors for book talks and book ...

  15. Places To Go When Home Distractions Keep You From Studying

    Libraries. The go-to place for most students is the campus or local public library, where they can be assured of the quiet because, well, they're libraries. A look through the stacks also might lead you to informational treasures that can kick your work up a notch. Recommended quiet spots. Many colleges will provide a list of quiet places on ...

  16. Should I start doing homework and studying in the library ...

    Yes, but also remember to protect your spaces. By this I mean when you go there to study/do homework, then only study or do homework. Either go to a different part of the library to browse Youtube/Reddit or just leave. This way when you are in the library you will not get that almost unyeilding desire to procrastinate on your homework.

  17. PDF Do Your Homework @ the Library

    Do Your Homework @ the Library. The program includes: •Free access to homework coaches who provide assistance and guide students, grades K-8, as they learn. •Free access to learning materials, computers, online research tools, and other digital resources available at the library. •Math, English and Science help available. •Homework Help ...

  18. Is Homework Really Necessary?

    So, to answer the question: Yes, homework is definitely necessary. The real problem is how much we are required to process in such a short time. As finals inch closer by the day, make a point to ...

  19. "One can do his homework in the library"

    One can do homework in the library -- but in this case we are speaking generally about third parties doing homework: say, to the Library Committee. This makes the second pronoun very redundant, so I've dropped it. This particular phrasing is gender neutral and singular by design.

  20. Homework Club

    Do I or my child/student need a library card to join Homework Club?, collapsed. Print this Answer. Is Homework Club free?, collapsed. Print this Answer. What grades can attend Homework Club?, collapsed. Print this Answer. What is the ratio of students to tutors for Homework Club?, collapsed.

  21. Can only study at the library : r/ADHD

    Now, Keep studying at the library, because it works! 5. secretfishes. • 6 yr. ago. I can only study at the library, and only if I find a good spot where it's really quiet. It's often not that quiet at my library. People are often talking, moving, even in "quiet group study rooms", they act like the walls are soundproof and talk and laugh so loud.

  22. Library's Do Your Homework program has big impact and needs city

    Library Foundation SD CEO Patrick Stewart discussed the importance of the library's Do Your Homework @ the Library program and library advocate requests that the city council help the library recruit and retain tutors by making those positions benefitted. Play Video: ABC 10 News looks at impact of library's Do Your Homework program and ...

  23. Do Your Homework at the Library

    To do your homework online, you will need a computer and a connection to the Internet. If you do your homework at the library, you will need a notebook or a desk and some paper and your homework completed. If you do your homework in school, you will need all of your homework assignments and workbooks. In either case, bring a pen and paper.

  24. Good places to do homework besides the library? : r/teenagers

    The library in my town closes pretty early on the weekends so It's not a good place to do homework for me. Share some places you do homework so I can get some good ideas of where else to study. (ex: cafe, park, etc.) edit: sorry, forgot to mention that I hate doing homework at home

  25. On therapy

    This interview with Dr. Andy Bernstein from the Southern Arizona Psychological Association (SAPA) was conducted by Hilary T., Dusenberry-River Library and co-founding member of the Synapse Team. From Dr. Bernstein: All of these responses are my own personal views, and they are limited to seeking and working with therapists in the private sector.

  26. After School Homework Help

    After School Homework Help. Wed, May 8 2024. 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm. 10:00 am - 12:30 pm. Crown Heights Library. after school homework help. Do you need some help with your homework? Students in grades K-8 can meet with our volunteer homework helper.

  27. Restraint and Seclusion: Policy

    The Restraint and Seclusion Policy and Guidelines applies to all Victorian government schools, school staff, external practitioners and volunteers working closely with students. Schools must ensure non-school Department staff working with students are provided with a link to this policy. Schools must not develop local policies to replace this one.

  28. Monroe County libraries introduce automatic renewal for books, DVDs

    Don't worry — the Monroe County Library System now has you covered with the introduction of automatic renewals. Most books, DVDs or other eligible items you borrowed from Monroe County Library ...

  29. Update on Access to the 2024-25 FAFSA Form for Individuals Without a

    Until the IRS data retrieval issue is resolved, students and contributors without SSNs must manually enter their tax information and can use the flexibility around the identify validation process described in this announcement. The Department currently has no timeline available for resolution, but we will share updates when they are available.

  30. 4 ways to connect to the internet for less after the Affordable

    First, look for less expensive internet plans. Slow internet is still better than no internet. You should also check to see if your internet service provider (ISP) offers a low-income discount ...