Answers to Go
SAN MARCOS PUBLIC LIBRARY 625 E. HOPKINS ST. 512-393-8200
Q.I have to takea test for a job/school. What kind of resources does the San Marcos Public Library have for taking tests?
A. The San Marcos Public Library has a wide variety of free resources in books, databases and on the web. In addition, we also proctor tests, for a fee, for people who are taking paper-based tests. With the newly expanded building, we have the facilities to allow study groups private rooms to study for tests.
One of the best resources for people who need to take a test for work or school is Learning Express. Learning Express is part of the database group called the “TexShare Databases” that the Texas State Library provides to public and state libraries. TexShare is a multifaceted collection of databases that includes a wide variety of topics, including career and job skills resources and educational testing tools. To use the Learning Express database, go to the TexShare database website that is accessible from the San Marcos Public Library’s (SMPL) e-library webpage at www. sanmarcostx.gov/eLibrary. Once on that page you will be asked to choose your library and add your password. The password is available freely to all library users with just a call 512- 393-8200.
The Learning Express database has a variety of tests that you can use to practice. Tests to prepare you for the Air Traffic Controller Exam, Civil Service Exam, Allied Health and Social Worker Exams, Cosmetology exams and many more are available. Not only are there practice tests, but there are ebooks freely available for use to study for exams. These resources are excellent tools to help people explore career options. To use the Learning Express database, users must create an account, but once that is done a vast number of ebooks, tests, career advice, and job-seeking tools are available.
The library also hosts Community Action, a nonprofit organization that teaches the General Educational Development (GED) classes (also known as High School Equivalency, HSE) and English Language Learner (ELL) classes. These testprep classes are essential for those who are ready to take the next step and advance their education. Community Action is hosted at the library in order to provide these important classes. The Learning Express database also has practice tests for the HSE and a collection of resources specifically for Spanish language individuals, “Recursos Para Hispanohablantes.”
The library has many books for people taking tests, including the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), the HVAC Licensing Study Guide, Texas Success Initiative Achievement (TSI), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Nursing Exam, The Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES) and many more. In order to find out what the library has, just use our online catalog or call the library for assistance at 512-393- 8200. In addition to the books, we offer computers for people to take exams on — including the food handlers certification. Finally, we have skilled librarians to assist people in finding test information. The library is fortunate to have a job resources librarian, Deborah Carter, on staff. Carter is well versed in the types of tests people must take to qualify for jobs. For more information on her services, visit the library’s San Marcos Public Library's Jobs and Resources Facebook Page.
Suzanne Sanders is the new columnist for the Library. She is the Community Services Manager for the San Marcos Public Library and came from the Austin Public Library in 2015 after having served there as a librarian for over 20 years. She gratefully accepts your questions for this column.
