Library has resources for those going back to school

By Betty Moore

Rowan Public Library

Many adults in Rowan County are training for new careers or preparing to attend community college for the first time or the first time in a long time.

Rowan Public Library has many resources to help these adults brush up on basic math, reading, writing and study skills.

For many adults, math is the area where they feel the greatest need for review before taking a college placement test. "Number Power Review" covers math topics from whole numbers and fractions through algebra and geometry.Other books in this series from Contemporary focus specifically on each area. "Arithmetic The Easy Way" is part of another series that also includes business math, algebra and geometry. These and many other math titles offer practice tests, exercises and answers so adults can practice and study on their own.

"Reading Smart: Advanced Techniques for Improved Reading" is an easy-to-use guide to help readers improve speed and comprehension. "Practical English Handbook" is a detailed overview of grammar, usage and punctuation. "Student Writing Handbook" prepares students to write essays, term papers and reports, on any school subject.

In addition to these books, RPL has DVDs that help prepare adults for placement tests and returning to the classroom, such as "Taking Math Tests," "Taking Reading Comprehension Tests" and "Taking Essay Tests."

"Five Steps to Study Skills Success" includes help on strategies for reading improvement, concentrating while reading and good note-taking.

The library also has print study guides for a number of tests, such as the GED, GRE, police officer and postal exams.

Through RPL and NCLive, library users have free online access to "Learning Express," which has an even larger variety of practice tests and tutorials. Its Learning Centers, such as "College Preparation," "Job Search & Workplace Skills" or "Jobs & Careers" offer online interactive practice tests and tutorials. Examples of tests are college skills assessment tests in math and reading comprehension plus review for licensing exams in firefighting, nursing, plumbing and real estate.

To access Learning Express from an RPL computer lab, click on "Visit Rowan Public Library." In the "Related Links" column, click on "Online Tools." Next, under NCLive, click on "Career and Test Preparation," then on "Learning Express Library" on the following page. Register for a free account.

Learning Express is also available from home through the Remote Resources Login on RPL's home page. To learn about remote access or for more information, ask at your local branch or call 704-216-8243.

For adults thinking of heading back to school, RPL offers great resources for achieving their goals.