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Completed Projects

The Value and Impact of Homework Clubs in Public Libraries

The report for this project contains the findings and conclusions of an investigation within the public library service into the value and impact of library-based homework clubs, conducted between 1999 and 2000. The project was funded by the Library and Information Commission (LIC) under its 'Value and Impact Call'. A small amount of additional funding was obtained from the Library Association to widen the project to Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Two main research methods were used. First, research was conducted through a national survey of homework club provision in public libraries, which was undertaken in order to gather data about the extent and nature of library-based homework clubs. Second, detailed case studies were undertaken in eight authorities across England and Scotland, which sought to provide a detailed description of homework club practice and value. In addition, the literature on library-based homework clubs and study support was reviewed throughout the project.

The report produces the following main conclusions:

  • a structured homework club service works extremely well in public libraries, providing a wide range of study support resources, in a neutral and welcoming environment
  • more than two-thirds of library-based clubs were funded from multiple sources, and approximately 25% of local authorities had only secured short-term funding
  • homework clubs are staffed by people from a variety of professional backgrounds, although public library staff were employed in half of all authorities
  • although all libraries offer a wide range of study support resources, specific homework club collections proved extremely successful
  • almost all library authorities marketed their homework club service, although this tended to be relatively informal and localised promotion
  • monitoring and evaluation of homework clubs tended to be quantitative, although where authorities had collected and evaluated qualitative data, resulting service developments had been reported
  • heads of Service seemed unanimous in their desire to work in strategic partnerships to support the provision of homework clubs
  • in addition to the obvious educational focus of homework clubs, their benefits to children and young people had far wider implications, for example: easing the transition from primary to secondary education, helping young people to assert their individuality, and providing support and pastoral care which is frequently unavailable in the home or school environments.

The authors of the report make recommendations to improve the homework club service. These are addressed to the Library Association, public library authorities, library managers and homework club staff. Detailed recommendations for further research are also included.

Publications

  1. Train, B. (2001) 'A valuable club scene’, Public Library Journal, 16 (2), pp. 44-6.
  2. Train, B., Chivers, B. and Denham, D. (2000) 'The value and impact of homework clubs in public libraries. Summary of research findings.' Birmingham: UCE, ISBN 0904354164. (See Publications page for ordering information)
  3. Train, B. and Elkin, J. (2000) 'Homework clubs: a model for the qualitative evaluation of public library initiatives', The New Review of Children's Literature and Librarianship (vol.6), pp. 177-92.
  4. Train, B., Nankivell, C., Shoolbred, M. and Denham, D. (2000) 'The value and impact of homework clubs in public libraries.' London: Library and Information Commission Research Report 32.
  5. Train, B., Dalton, P., Elkin, J. (2000) Embracing inclusion: the critical role of the library. Library Management.
  6. Nankivell, C. Homework clubs in public libraries. LIC Research Bulletin. Spring, 2000, pp16-17, ISSN 1466 2930.

Project Team

  • Briony Train
  • Clare Nankivell
  • Professor Judith Elkin
  • Karin Richter
  • Michael Shoolbred
  • Debbie Denham
  • Barbara Chivers