Test Prep: Library Databases

Getting Started

• Access LearningExpress through your web browser or through the EBSCO LearningExpress app for iOS or Android devices.
• On the homepage, click the blue Sign In/Register button in the upper-right.
• Click Register under New User and select Library Card. Type your barcode number into the box and click Create Account. You can register using an email address or click Register without email to create your own username. Fill out the form and click the blue Register button.  

Searching LearningExpress

• On the homepage, you will find prominent icons for the core content areas – called Centers. The Centers house all the tutorials, practice exams, and eBooks and are organized by areas of interest. Click or tap on a Center that interests you to see the available resources.

• Use the search bar at the top of the page or bottom of the app to search for a specific test, tutorial, or eBook. 
• Learning Express includes microlessons designed to teach specific core skills in small, easy chunks. Search for a skill such as "word problems" or "ratios" and check the box next to Microlessons. Available on the website only.

Taking Practice Tests

• Once you identify a tutorial or test you want to take, click Start or tap Download. 
• You will see detailed instructions on how to take the test and an option for Practice mode (timed) or Learner mode. Choose your test mode and click Start Test.
• You can save your progress and continue later by clicking the Finish Later button at the upper-right of the test or tutorial page. 

• Tests and other content on the mobile app must be downloaded. Once downloaded, you will find it using the Mobile Center button at the bottom of your screen. On the website, you will find your saved content by clicking your username in the upper right and My Center.

Searching for Courses

• Type a subject into the search bar at the top of the page (to get the search bar in the app, tap the magnifying glass), OR
• Click on Content on the left side of the page. Topics are organized into four main categories: Business, Technology, Creative, and Certifications. Each category contains sub-topics, software skills, and learning paths. Click on a sub-topic to explore available courses.

Taking Courses

• To save a video for later, tap the Save button to the right of the video. Courses you save for later can be found under My Library.
• Click or tap on a course to go to the page for that lesson.

• Courses can be downloaded in the app to view offline. Tap the Download Course button below the video player to download the entire course or tap the download button  next to an individual video in the table of contents to only download that part.
• Beneath the video player, you will find an overview of the lesson, a notebook where you can take and save notes, and a transcript for those who prefer to read the lesson. The video player also includes a closed caption button for subtitles.

• Some courses include exercise files the instructor uses to teach the course. Under the video, in the Overview tab, click Show all next to Exercise Files to download these files.

• Once downloaded, unzip the folder by right-clicking and selecting either “Open” or “Extract All”. Many of these files will require the software application used to create them to run (for example, to use exercise files about Photoshop, you must have Photoshop installed on your computer). Software is not included in LinkedIn Learning.

Course Certificates

• After completing a course, you may earn a certificate. These can be viewed on the lesson page, under the Overview tab. Click Show all next to Certificates and click LinkedIn Learning Certificate. Next, click Download PDF.
• You can also download certificates from the My Learning button, under the Learning History tab. Click the 3-dots menu icon  to the right of a course you’ve completed and click Download Certificate.

Getting Started  

1. Install the Hoopla Digital app on your Android, iOS, or Kindle Fire device.
2. Click Sign Up.
3.  Search for "Manatee County Public Library".
4. Create a Hoopla account by entering a valid email address, a password consisting of at least eight characters, and your library card barcode number.
5. Click Sign Up to complete the process.

Find & Borrow Items

• Tap Search at the bottom of your screen. Enter your search term(s) into the search box. Tap Advanced Search to narrow your search to a specific format, language, author, genre, or more.

• To browse, tap on one of the formats listed at the top of the Hoopla Home page. Swipe left to view more format options. After choosing a format, you can look at Recommended, Featured, Popular, Categories/Genres of items, and more.

• Click on an item's cover or title to see additional information about this item.
• Click the Borrow button underneath the book cover. The item is now checked out to you.
• You are permitted to borrow 5 items per month. This number resets on the 1st of each month. Unused borrows do not carry over to the next month.

Download Items

• When using the app, you have the option to download eBooks, eAudiobooks, music, movies, and television shows after you check them out.

• This allows you to listen to or watch the item without being connected to Wi-Fi or a cellular data network.

Return Items

• Items return automatically at the end of the loan period. No late fees!

• To return an item early, scroll to the bottom of the item summary and tap Return. Note that returning an item early doesn’t impact your five checkouts per month limit. 

Getting Started

• Click the Get Started button in the center of the homepage, then click Let's Go.
• Search for "Manatee County Public Library" and click Next.
• Enter the barcode number from the back of your library card.
• Create an account for Hoopla by entering a valid email address and a password consisting of at least eight characters.
• Click the Complete Registration button to complete the sign-up process.

Find & Borrow Items

• Enter your search term(s) in the search box at the top of the screen. Use the drop-down menu to narrow your search from Everything to a specific format, author, category, or more.
• Click on Browse to browse items by format. From there, you can look through sections such as Recommended, Featured, Popular, Categories/Genres of items, and more.
• Click on an item's cover or title to see additional information about this item.
• Click the Borrow button underneath the book cover. The item is now checked out to you.

Read Items

1. Click My Hoopla at the top of your screen and then click Currently Borrowed.
2. Hoopla will display a list of all of your currently borrowed items, their due dates, and the number of borrows you have remaining for the month.
3. Click on the item you wish to open. Click Read or Resume underneath the item cover.

Return Items

• Items return automatically at the end of the loan period. No late fees!

• To return an item early, scroll to the bottom of the item summary and click on the Return button. Note that returning an item early doesn’t impact your five checkouts per month limit.