Employment, Education, and Reference Resources

Staff at all PCDL locations can assist you with your information needs.  In particular, the reference department at the New Lexington (Main) location is solely devoted to connecting you with the answers that help you do what you do.  In short, if you have a question, our staff can help you. 

If you are looking for quick and easy searching of the best of the Web, try the Ohio Web Library or use one of the many useful research databases.  If you have a particular question, browse the subjects below or contact our reference staff via e-mail or by phone (740) 342-4194.  You also have access to 24x7 online reference assistance via Know It Now.  Staff (but not patrons) at all six PCDL locations also have access to a variety of databases provided by the SEO Consortium.       

 

The GED is getting updated! 

In 2014 there will be changes to the GED testing program.  Here is the most up to date information that we have. 

The test for the Ohio High School Equivalence Diploma, known as a General Educational Development (GED®) diploma, for Ohioans who did not finish high school is transitioning to a Computer Based Test (CBT) only format in 2014. The Paper Based Test (PBT) will no longer be offered in 2014.

GED® Test in 2013

Online registration for taking the GED® in 2013 will close on September 30th.  Test-takers wishing to have 120 days after registering to take the test must register by August 9th.  Test-takers can still sign up for the test after September 30th but they must go to a testing center to register. The current GED® test has five parts. If a test-taker has not passed all five parts by December 21, 2013, they will have to start over in January 2014.  . All test takers must create a SAFE account at the Ohio Department of Education’s website prior to taking the GED® assessment.

GED® Test in 2014

The new test will start on January 2, 2014.  The test will be taken on a computer and there is no longer a paper-based option.  The price of taking the GED® will increase from $40 to $120.  There will be four content areas: Literacy, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. More information on the 2014 test content is included in the GED® 2014 Quick Guide from New Readers Press.

Ohio Department of Education

The Ohio Department of Education administers the GED® test.  They have information about the GED® test and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on their website.

Ohio ABLE

The Ohio Adult Basic & Literacy Education (ABLE) program offers GED® test preparation services in all 88 Ohio counties.

Libraries and 2014 GED®

There are several ways that libraries can help community members with the GED® transition.  One way is to communicate the need for test-takers to finish all parts of the test before the end of the year or they will have to start over again in 2014. GED® Testing Service has flyers, posters, a press release template, an email template, a letter template, and a phone script for libraries to download and use.  Libraries can also order print materials through Brand Central, though they will need to create an account.

Libraries can highlight print and online resources to help test-takers prepare for the GED®.  All Ohioans have access to tests, courses, and eBooks in the areas of GED® practice tests, GED® preparation courses and guides, GED® skills improvement, and Spanish-language GED® preparation in the Learning Express Library through the Libraries Connect Ohio partnership.

As test-takers prepare to take the 2014 GED® on a computer, libraries can provide resources to help test-takers become more comfortable using the computer.  Ohio ABLE has provided a list of skills test-takers will need for computer based testing that includes keyboarding, mouse maneuverability, and navigation skills.  The Goodwill Community Foundation has online tutorials for Computer Basics like aMouse Tutorial, and Internet 101, including Browser Basics that focuses on navigation skills.  The State Library is working on additional resources for digital literacy skills for both formal instruction and informal one-on-one assistance and will share these resources soon.

Libraries are also encouraged to work with their local ABLE provider to share resources and explore opportunities to work together.

More Information

The GED® Testing Service has information on the 2014 New Assessment and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section about 2014 GED® on their website.