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Feature Stories |
By Marsha McDevitt-Stredney, Director, Marketing & Communications, State Library of Ohio
In 2009, LearningExpress Library (LEL) entered its fifth year as a database available to all Ohio residents. LEL includes academic and career practice tests as well as tools such as resume builders, job search, and workplace skill development that aid unemployed individuals. Statewide usage increased 40% from 2008 to 2009. The LEL database is accessible through library websites and the Ohio Web Library. It is funded through a federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Library Services Technology Act (LSTA) grant awarded by the State Library of Ohio.
In April, over 50 new and updated interactive practice tests were added in the following growing industries and hot areas: Allied Healthcare, GED Preparation (For Spanish Speakers), Commercial Driver's License, and Teaching. A complete list of the new interactive tests and updates are available for download as PDF in the Media Center.
In July, a new interface design went live. The new interface includes additional resources including a Librarian Resource Center. A collection of enhanced Flash-based Computer Skills tutorials was added to the service for Ohio. The updated online tutorials replaced previous online versions and are accessible to patrons from the LEL Computer Skills Learning Center. Features of the update include an easier to use interface with greater functionality; training videos and animation with both audio and full text captioning; and discussions, demos, quizzes, and assessments to track and monitor progress. The Microsoft Office applications tutorials are now accessible for Macintosh computers.
LearningExpress Library Computer Skills Tutorials include:
Promotional materials specific to Ohio such as bookmarks and flyers for download and printing are now available on the State Library website in the Media Center. Learning Maps for Ohio’s Education Achievement Tests and LEL tutorials are also available in the Media Center.
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