I love it when products intended for kids find a secondary niche with adults. I noticed three such electronic products while browsing the exhibits at ALA Annual in Anaheim. Be forewarned, I am going to name specifics products. This is not an endorsement by me or the ALSC.
World Book Discover — Our favorite kid-friendly encyclopedia retooled for older users. Imbedded dictionary, atlas, timelines, a very cool multi-language visual dictionary, and tips for conducting research. Most different from their kids’ product: the Life Skills Center. This section includes articles on insurance, money matters, health, employment, and social skills.
Brainfuse — Their HelpNow online homework program for Grades 3-12 also has a section called Skills Building for adults. Here you will find a writing lab, knowledge tutorials, and realtime one-on-one skills refreshers for grownups. Adults don’t have to have a specific question when they log in. It’s just skills review & practice.
Tutor.com — This homework service has always had Grades 4-12, but is now offering to help Adult Learners (which is the name of this new service). They have also added a writing lab that will be useful to all subscribers and are expanding their homework help down to include the primary grades K-3.
–Bradley Debrick, Guest Contributor
Teresa Walls
Many librarians are fostering family literacy and learning. The officials of these companies must realize they need to offer a broader package for the dwindling budgets with which librarians are trying to do as much as possible for as many patrons as possible.