HelpNow (Database)

HelpNow

HelpNow, provided by Brainfuse, http://home.brainfuse.com/libraries/HelpNow

Summary

HelpNow is a subscription tutoring service for libraries, schools, and universities. The database offers tutoring and homework help for students K through college. Live online tutoring is offered every day from afternoon to late evening, with subjects such as math, science, writing, reading, and English.  Students can study and learn on their own with flashcards, games, and tests on their subject of choice. Users can also schedule online meeting rooms, and invite friends and classmates to study along with them. All of the tutoring services are free and accessible to anyone with a computer and library card.

One of the most helpful database features is SkillSurfer. Along with providing video, lessons, and quizzes on topics, users also get how-to’s on college admissions, Microsoft Word, and taking the GED. If students decide to create an account, they are able to listen to past tutoring sessions, create a study calendar, and view past test results.

Critical Evaluation

The HelpNow site is easy to use, with all of the information and tutoring services provided right on the home page. It’s easy to create an account, or even just browse the database before signing up.  Most of the tutoring and studying help would be beneficial for older teens, since there’s such an array of subjects.  With the information on applying to college and Microsoft Word tutorials, HelpNow reaches a broader audience, instead of merely being a basic tutoring service. Overall, there’s just enough homework help and subject matter to fully help out patrons without being too overwhelming.

I loved how the database is free and available to any library patron. The database would be great for teens that can’t afford tutoring services or would rather be tutored online instead of in person. It would be a great database for librarians to suggest to patrons, especially teenagers who come in with homework questions.

Reader’s Annotation

With online tutors, video lessons, and study rooms, HelpNow is an informative and resourceful database for students of all ages.

About the Author

N/A

Genres

Databases

Curriculum Ties

Tutoring

Booktalking Ideas

N/A

Reading Level/Interest Age

12+

Grades 6+

Challenge Issues

N/A

Why Included?

I included this database, because it’s a popular one with my coworkers and our patrons.  I also liked how much information and help is provided, along with the fact that it’s free. 

ComicsPlus (Database)

ComicsPlus

ComicsPlus, provided by Iverse media http://digital.comicsplusapp.com/

Summary

ComicsPlus is a subscription service where users can check out and read comic books and graphic novels on their computers, tablets, or smartphones. Over 7000 titles are available, with more titles being added to the site weekly. Most are comic books, but more manga and international titles are also being added.  Users can check out up to five titles per week and can search comics by publisher, title, or by age range. There are searchable sections for comics recently added to the site, as the library’s entire online collection.   Once users find a title they like, they can add it to their collection and keep it for a week. 

Popular titles and publishers include Marvel Comics, the Green Hornet,  Archie, and Viz Media. Along with superhero comic books, ComicsPlus offers titles in genres such as nonfiction, romance,  horror, and classic literature adaptations. An app for tablets and smartphones is also offered, letting users take their comic collection anywhere they go.

Critical Evaluation

The main site is easy to browse and has the look of a comic book strip. Reading the comic books is easy as well, with options to zoom in or out, or have one page displayed at a time. The artwork and dialogue are crisp and easy to read, and there is hardly any download waiting time. Being able to filter by age is great too, especially for parents or librarians looking for age appropriate  

titles.

One disappointing factor is the lack of popular titles and publishers. There are a few Marvel and DC comic titles, but not enough to satisfy hardcore fans. The website does promise more titles are added weekly, but users aren’t allowed to suggest any titles they would like. While the site doesn’t offer as many materials as a library’s print collection, the database is helpful for teens who are looking for more indie titles or who want to read comic books on the go.

Reader’s Annotation

ComicsPlus offers readers a chance to read comics anywhere they want.

About the Author

N/A

Genres

Databases

Curriculum Ties

N/A

Booktalking Ideas

N/A

Reading Level/Interest Age

12+

Grades 6+

Challenge Issues

N/A

  

Why Included? 

I included this database because it’s a new and popular one in my district. I also liked how the database lets users read comic books on their tablet or smartphone.