by Katherine Parkinson

Recently the Kansas City Public Library introduced two services targeted at teens and young adults. One is a homework help program called BrainFuse, and the other is a music downloading system called Freegal Music. In order to use these services, a Kansas City Public Library card and PIN are necessary.

According to STA librarian Jackie Hershewe, every STA student is issued a school library card which is part of the KC system and so will work just as well.

“I think these are good services to attract young patrons to [the library site,]” Hershewe said. “It attracts because there’s a need for [these programs.] I think partly the library is doing this in order to establish a relationship that will be ongoing. As a child you go for book talks or readings, and now you go back as a teenager to continue learning and for pleasurable reading.”

BrainFuse

According to their website, Brainfuse was founded in 1999 and is now “one of the nation’s leading online education providers.” They work with libraries, school districts and universities.

Users in the Kansas City area can access BrainFuse through the public library website under ‘Research Resources’ and ‘Homework Help.’ BrainFuse offers students a chance to talk to live tutors who are online from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Each tutor has a four-year degree in their area and previous experience tutoring or teaching.

Sophomore Monica McGraw, who receives tutoring in honors algebra II, said she would possibly consider using an online tutor, but feels using one through school would be more beneficial.

“[The online tutor] wouldn’t have taken Ms. Blessen’s class, so they wouldn’t know how hard it is, whereas my tutor now has taken her class,” McGraw said.

The homework help system also offers tools such as a writing lab, where students can submit papers and receive feedback from tutors within 24 hours, and a testing center, where students can take practice SAT, ACT, GED or general subject tests.

“I think [these services] would be really helpful,” English teacher Katie Dolan said. “I think, at least the writing portion, facilitates the writing process. It’s always good to have editing and revision and receive outside input.”

Freegal Music

Freegal Music is a music service that allows users with a library card to download three free songs per week. Each new week begins Monday at midnight. Users can access this program through the library website under ‘Books and More’ and ‘Digital Music.’ There is also an app for both Android and iPhone users.

According to the library website, there are around 3 million songs to choose from with over 10,000 labels.

Junior Gabby Ferro, who uses iTunes to download music, said she thought idea would encourage teenagers to visit the Kansas City library website more often and use it as a resource.

According to Hershewe, whether these services will appeal to teens depends on the individual.

“I think it’s whatever appeals to [teens,]” Hershewe said. “We offer a lot here at school too, so I think it depends on what you feel is available, and what would best suit your needs. You’ve got options, and I think we’re lucky because we’ve got more options available than other institutions.”