“The purpose of this book is to review the range of services from which librarians can choose to plan their homework help programs and outline pedagogical techniques that can facilitate the process and enhance . . . encounters between librarians and their young patrons” (1). Many public and school libraries already provide this service—but, happily, new perspectives, ideas, and learning never end. In line with today's trend toward customer-centered service, Intner does a good job of highlighting the ways in which we can make some seemingly small changes to focus on this specific group of customers, namely, students with homework.

Intner, herself a teacher and tutor, begins with the requisite history of youth services as it pertains to homework help, and sets up an interesting examination of the confluence of information services and education. It is useful to understand what teachers are looking for when they assign homework, because it relates directly to what students need and expect when they come to libraries for homework help. But the book's deep foray into pedagogical theory may leave some library staff feeling overwhelmed and out of their element. Nevertheless, the main message about nurturing relationships between librarians, teachers, and students is not lost.

Chapter 2 outlines important necessities such as assessing needs, setting goals, and developing a service philosophy. The author recognizes that the most important element of stellar service is staff, and she provides a brief outline of training topics for homework helpers. These include not only the requisite guidance on how to interpret homework assignments but also include coverage of cultural and sexual orientation diversity, youth culture, and technology.

The technology section holds no surprises, describing equipment and software requirements (including photo and video editing) for within the library walls. For remote support, the author provides and describes a variety of suggestions that could be employed to support patrons virtually, from pathfinders and RSS feeds to chat reference and social networking. The marketing section offers many good ideas on how to get the word out. Of course, evaluation, an essential piece of the programming puzzle, is emphasized as well.

Intner covers the possibilities for homework help thoroughly, reinforcing the concept of process: Many libraries provide homework support, but being aware of what we do, how we do it and why we do it, should be key. This book is not ground-breaking, but most readers will find something new to consider and use.