LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, is an online learning platform that offers thousands of video courses taught by industry experts on topics like business, software, technology, and creative skills. With a LinkedIn Learning subscription, you can access the full course library and learn new skills anytime, anywhere. But what if you don’t want to pay for a subscription? Can you access LinkedIn Learning for free with your library card? Let’s take a look at how libraries provide access to LinkedIn Learning and what you need to know to take advantage of this valuable resource.
Do libraries provide access to LinkedIn Learning?
Many public libraries and academic institutions offer LinkedIn Learning access to their cardholders or students. Over 5,000 libraries around the world subscribe to LinkedIn Learning Library, allowing patrons to access LinkedIn Learning at no cost with a valid library card. Some libraries provide unlimited access from home, while others require you to access LinkedIn Learning from a library computer terminal. Either way, a library LinkedIn Learning subscription lets you enjoy free, unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning without paying the individual subscription fee, which is typically $29.99 per month.
Access varies by library system, but if your local library offers LinkedIn Learning, you can generally enjoy features like:
- Unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning course library of 15,000+ expert-led courses
- In-depth classes on business, creative, and technology skills
- New courses added every week
- Expert instructors and professionals
- Convenient video-based instruction
- Mobile app to learn on the go
- Exercise files to follow along
- Certificate of completion
- Personalized recommendations
This makes LinkedIn Learning an extremely valuable free resource for any library patron looking to develop career-boosting skills and knowledge.
How do I access LinkedIn Learning through my library?
To use LinkedIn Learning for free with your library card, the first step is to check whether your library offers access in the first place. You can typically find this information by:
- Checking your library website for details on online resources
- Visiting your library in person and asking about LinkedIn Learning access
- Contacting your library’s reference desk
If your library does provide LinkedIn Learning access, follow these general steps:
- Go to the LinkedIn Learning website or mobile app and click “Get started”
- Select the “Use your organization’s access” option
- Search for and select your library from the list
- Enter your library card number and PIN/password if required by your library
- You should then have full access and can begin browsing or searching for courses
The sign-up process varies a bit by library system, but checking your library website or contacting a librarian will provide the specifics to connect your library card.
Are there limitations to LinkedIn Learning through my library?
There are usually a few limitations to keep in mind when accessing LinkedIn Learning through a library subscription:
- Limited accessing hours – Some libraries limit when and how long you can access LinkedIn Learning remotely. You may have unlimited in-library usage but restricted hours for home access.
- No offline access – Libraries typically don’t allow you to download LinkedIn Learning videos for offline viewing. You’ll need an internet connection.
- No exercise files – Some libraries limit access to supplemental exercise files for hands-on learning.
- Delayed new content – You may not get brand new courses right as they release if your library’s subscription has delayed content access.
However, these limitations are usually minor compared to getting free unlimited access through your library. Confirm details with your library prior to signing up so there are no surprises.
What courses are offered through LinkedIn Learning Library?
LinkedIn Learning Library provides the same 15,000+ courses as a regular individual subscription. Popular course categories you can access include:
Business Courses
- Leadership and management
- Entrepreneurship
- Analytics and finance
- Business strategy
- Project management
- Human resources
- Sales and marketing
- Customer service
Technology Courses
- Web and app development
- Game development
- Data science
- IT certifications
- Software
- 3D and animation
- Network and security
Creative Courses
- Design
- Photography
- Video
- Music and audio
- CAD
- 3D and animation
Personal Development Courses
- Personal effectiveness
- Parenting and relationships
- Job seeking skills
- Wellness and nutrition
And many more topics! Take the time to thoroughly browse all that LinkedIn Learning has to offer through your library.
What are some of the top courses to take?
With thousands of courses available, where should you start? Here are 12 of the best LinkedIn Learning courses for personal development and gaining career-relevant skills:
1. Learning How to Learn
Master new subjects faster using proven learning techniques from learning science experts. Useful for any learning goal.
2. Communicating with Confidence
Become a confident communicator by learning tactics for speaking clearly, expressing ideas, and selling yourself and your ideas.
3. Time Management Fundamentals
Take control of your schedule through practical time management techniques. Set goals and priorities to focus your time.
4. Speed Reading Fundamentals
Double your reading speed using rapid reading strategies. Retain more information in less time.
5. Business Writing Principles
Write clearer, more persuasive business communications from emails to reports with an efficient business writing process.
6. Excel Essential Training
Master formulas, charts, pivot tables, and other Excel skills to elevate your spreadsheet abilities.
7. Leadership Foundations
Become a more impactful leader through insightful practices like coaching, feedback, delegation and building trust.
8. Body Language for Leaders
Learn how to interpret body language cues from others while projecting energy and confidence with your own nonverbal signals.
9. Public Speaking Techniques
Engage audiences of all sizes through public speaking best practices for preparation, delivery, storytelling and visuals.
10. Customer Service Foundations
Gain customer service skills to improve relationships, encourage loyalty, handle problems and create brand advocates.
11. Motivating People to Action
Ignite motivation in those around you by understanding human needs, psychology, and persuasive techniques.
12. Critical Thinking
Sharpen your reasoning skills through analysis, evaluation and interpretation to make smarter judgments and decisions.
How long do I have access to library LinkedIn Learning?
Your access length depends on your library’s subscription policy. Many provide unlimited access as long as your library card remains active. Others may require renewing access periodically or limit you to a set access period like one month. Check with your library to understand their specific LinkedIn Learning access terms so you can maximize usage.
Some libraries also allow access even if your card expires by logging in from their computer terminals. But remote off-site access typically requires an active library card login.
Can I download LinkedIn Learning videos to watch offline?
Unfortunately, downloading LinkedIn Learning videos for offline viewing is not enabled for library subscribers. You need an internet connection to stream videos. However, mobile apps are available to watch courses on smartphones and tablets conveniently on the go.
Some limitations on downloading exist to prevent extensive distribution of proprietary video content. While not ideal for frequent travelers without connectivity, the streaming-only restriction removes library IT burden of managing offline circulation.
What tips do you have for learning on LinkedIn Learning effectively?
Here are some top tips to help you get the most value out of LinkedIn Learning as a library subscriber:
- Preview the Course Summary, Topics Covered and Table of Contents before starting a course to see if it will meet your needs.
- Take notes on key concepts and reflect on how you can apply what you learn.
- Supplement courses with additional resources like free web content, books, and online communities.
- Follow instructors with courses you enjoy to find related material.
- Earn Certificates of Completion to showcase new skills.
- Use search filters like video duration and closed captioning to narrow results.
- Download the mobile app to watch courses during spare moments of downtime.
- Save courses to your Favorites list so you can come back to them.
- Practice and experiment with the skills you learn right away for retention.
Leverage every free learning opportunity from your library LinkedIn Learning subscription by applying these tips.
Conclusion
Access to LinkedIn Learning provides incredible value by giving library patrons the ability to learn in-demand skills and topics at no cost. While some limitations exist, a library LinkedIn Learning subscription removes the paywall to unlock thousands of courses. Maximize this free resource by checking your library’s eligibility, understanding their access policies, and using best practices to learn effectively. With consistent learning over time, you can experience career and personal growth with your library card as “payment”.