Homework Help
Washoe County Library System provides access to resources that can help with schoolwork, no matter what the grade level. Besides research databases covering most school subjects, we also offer access to test preparation resources and live online tutoring. For most of the resources below, there are video lessons available that explain what the resource is and how to use it; click the "watch tutorial" button to view.
Also, the library is a great place for group or individual study sessions. Several libraries have study rooms available, and all have free Wi-Fi.
ABC-CLIO
ABC-CLIO brings together a complete suite of resources for geography and history research. With articles, primary sources, analysis, and multimedia, ABC-CLIO is a great first stop for student research.
Biography Reference Center
Elementary school, middle school, and high school research. Includes a collection of more than 450,000 full-text biographical entries.
Go to Biography Reference Center Watch Tutorial
Explora
Multiple versions of the Explora interface provide age-appropriate content for students in primary and secondary schools. Subject areas covered include science, math, literature, history, geography, and more. Explora makes research easy by automatically generating properly formatted citations and allowing you to store relevant articles.
History Reference Center
More than 650,000 full-text records from peer-reviewed journals, reference books, periodicals, and thousands of primary source documents covering both US and world history topics.
Go to History Reference Center Watch Tutorial
Points of View Reference Center
Containing resources that present multiple sides of an issue, this database provides rich content that can help students assess and develop persuasive arguments and essays, better understand controversial issues, and develop analytical thinking skills.
Go to Points of View Reference Center Watch Tutorial
Science Reference Center
High school and middle school research. Includes the full text of nearly 640 science encyclopedias, reference books, periodicals, and other publications.
Go to Science Reference Center Watch Tutorial
World Book
The World Book online is a suite of research tools that includes encyclopedia articles, primary source collections, educator tools, student activities, pictures, audio, and video, complemented by current periodicals and related websites.
Brainfuse HelpNow
Live tutors and academic resources for students at all levels. Includes test preparation and a writing lab. Requires the latest version of Java.
- Live Tutoring and Writing Lab: live, expert online help (available 1:00-10:00 p.m. daily).
- Language Lab: live help with learning Spanish.
- FlashBulb: create and share flashcards, tests, and games.
- LEAP: a diagnostic test center for college readiness with customized study plans and lessons.
- Brainwave: create and share movie-like notes and ideas.
- MEET: schedule sessions with friends and classmates in a private virtual study room.
LearningExpress Library
Online tutorials, practice tests, and e-books for computer skills, job search, workplace skills improvement, career certification and licensure exam prep, college and grad school entrance prep, GED test prep, and more. Modules include:
- College Admission Test Preparation Center: College entrance essay writing tutorials and test preparation for ACT®, SAT®, PSAT®, and other exams.
- College Students Center: College placement and GRE exam preparation and reviews of math, science, reading, and writing skills.
- High School Equivalency Center: Guided support and preparation to help you earn a high school equivalency credential. Build basic skills and prepare for the GED®, HiSET®, and TASC examinations.
- School Center: Skill-building resources for reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Elementary through high school levels.
Citation Machine
Citation generator, grammar guides, plagiarism check, and more.
MLA
Need help citing sources for your research paper? This website can help you properly cite your sources so you can avoid accidental plagiarism.
This guide can be printed for distribution, or used for easy online access to popular resources.
Download in English | Download in Spanish | Printable version (English/Spanish)
These handy half-sheet guides for early childhood, elementary, and middle/high school can be used online or printed to distribute in classrooms.
- Early Childhood: English | Spanish | Printable (English/Spanish)
- Elementary School: English | Spanish | Printable (English/Spanish)
- Middle/High School: English | Spanish | Printable (English/Spanish)
