Story and Photo by Devorah Feldman, Reporter
ACC students now have free access to the LearningExpress Library and its companion Job & Career Center database. The online education and career platforms can be found on ACC’s Library Services website.
The programs allow students to hone their math and writing skills, search through job listings, and learn about the job interview process. They also provide practice exams for the GED, COMPASS, SAT, GMAT and other assessments.
“I sometimes get asked about practice tests for things like the GED or college entrance exams,” reference librarian Ann Mason of Cypress Creek and Round Rock campuses said. “Now I can point students to LearningExpress.”
Head librarian Sheila Henderson of Round Rock Campus believes the program provides a flexible learning environment.
“It’s a wonderful program. I’ve used it for years in the public library where I worked,” Henderson said. “There are so many opportunities, and of course, it’s self-paced. You get the pre-test and the post-test, so you can measure your progress.”
LearningExpress also offers help with job preparation, career advancement, and re-entry into the workforce. The Job & Career Accelerator assists users in creating strong resumes, finding and applying for jobs, and developing workplace skills.
The database is provided through TexShare, a statewide resource-sharing consortium of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Adrian Whatley, e-Resources Librarian at South Austin Campus, tracks usage statistics for the system and sees when new accounts are added.
“I believe that the website’s usage will increase with student awareness and faculty recommendations,” Whatley said. “LearningExpress is unique among ACC Libraries’ suite of databases in that it offers interactive digital practice tests.”
Students who want to use LearningExpress will need to register online, but all services are free. Registration allows users to maintain a confidential home page showing test scores and progress, saved e-books and other selected content.
ACC student Nancy Moreira learned about LearningExpress from librarian Sylvia Owens at Round Rock Campus. Moreira, who is contemplating a major in sonography or radiology, said that she is most interested in the system’s career tools.
“I want to learn more about job preparation and interview skills,” she said. “This will be a great way to do that.”
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