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 software development, design, business skills and more. While a premium LinkedIn Learning subscription typically costs around $30 per month, there is a way to access all of its courses for free if you have a library card.
Many public libraries now provide their members with free access to LinkedIn Learning through their website portals. This allows library cardholders to sign in and take any LinkedIn Learning course at no cost. The availability of this service varies by library system, but it’s worth looking into whether your local library offers it. Getting free LinkedIn Learning can save you hundreds of dollars per year compared to paying for a subscription.
Why LinkedIn Learning is Valuable
LinkedIn Learning provides high-quality instructional content that can help you gain new skills for your career or personal growth. Here are some of the key benefits of using LinkedIn Learning:
– Expert instructors – Courses are taught by industry experts who are leaders in their fields. This includes recognized authors, researchers, and instructors from top companies and universities.
– Self-paced learning – You can take courses at your own pace and refer back to material anytime. Courses have viewable transcripts too.
– Variety of topics – LinkedIn Learning has over 16,000 courses covering business, technology, creative skills, and more. Whether you want to learn programming, graphic design, management skills, or anything in between, there are abundant course options.
– Valuable job skills – The platform is focused on skills that are useful for career development and applicable to real-world jobs. This makes it a valuable resource for improving your professional abilities.
– Credential certificates – Many courses offer completion certificates that you can add to your resume and LinkedIn profile. This provides proof of your new skills or knowledge.
– Convenience – You can access courses online 24/7 and learn on any device. All you need is an internet connection.
For someone looking to advance their career, augment their skills, or explore personal interests, a LinkedIn Learning subscription is extremely beneficial. But paying over $300 per year may not be feasible for everyone. This is where utilizing a library card can make LinkedIn Learning free and accessible.
Check if Your Library Offers Free Access
The first step is to check whether your library provides LinkedIn Learning access. This service is currently offered by thousands of library systems in the U.S. and Canada. Here are some tips for checking availability:
– Visit your library website and look for any mention of LinkedIn Learning or Lynda.com. The links are usually prominently displayed.
– Search the library website for terms like “LinkedIn Learning”, “Lynda”, or “online learning”. Some libraries provide access under different names.
– Call your local library branch and ask if they offer free access to LinkedIn Learning for cardholders. A librarian will be able to confirm if it’s available and provide instructions.
– Ask about LinkedIn Learning access at the library’s physical front desk. Have your library card number ready.
– Search for your library on LinkedIn Learning’s website under “Get access through your library”. This lookup tool allows you to locate participating libraries.
– Try logging into LinkedIn Learning with your library card number. On the signup page, there is typically an option to sign in through your library or “Access Library”.
– Email or live chat with your library’s reference department to inquire about LinkedIn Learning access. They’ll advise you on next steps.
Don’t assume your library doesn’t offer the service without thoroughly investigating. Access is continually expanding as more libraries join the initiative to provide digital learning resources.
Steps to Gain Access Through Your Library
Once you’ve confirmed that your library provides free LinkedIn Learning access, follow these steps to get setup:
1. Ensure your library card is active
– Verify that your card has not expired and does not have any outstanding fines or blocks. You’ll need an active account in good standing to access digital services like LinkedIn Learning.
– If your card has expired, renew it online, by phone, or in person at your library branch. Renewal is typically quick and easy as long as your account is in good standing.
– Pay any late fees or overdue fines that are on your library account. Outstanding balances can suspend borrowing privileges.
2. Register for a LinkedIn Learning account through your library
– On LinkedIn Learning’s website or mobile app, click “Get access through your library”.
– Search to locate your library system. Click your library once found.
– You will be redirected to your library’s LinkedIn Learning portal page. Click the button to register or create an account.
– Sign up by entering your name, email address, and library card number. This creates your LinkedIn Learning account.
– An email confirmation will be sent to you containing your access instructions. Follow the prompts to finish registering.
3. Sign in to LinkedIn Learning with your library credentials
– Return to LinkedIn Learning and click the “Sign in” link.
– Choose the option to sign in with your library card.
– Enter your library card number and PIN/password used for your library account.
– Once logged in, you now have full access to all LinkedIn Learning courses for free as long as your library card remains active!
4. Browse courses and start learning
– Use LinkedIn Learning’s search bar to find courses by name, instructor, software name, topic, or skill.
– Filter or select courses within each subject category like Business, Creative, Technology, etc.
– View recommendations on the homepage based on subjects you follow.
– Add courses to your playlist to bookmark them. The playlists sync across devices.
– Start taking courses! You can pause, resume, rewind and review chapters as needed.
Taking these steps allows you to unlock the full benefits of a LinkedIn Learning subscription at no cost through your library. Enjoy access to thousands of courses by utilizing this free resource.
Using Library LinkedIn Learning FAQs
Can I access LinkedIn Learning on multiple devices?
Yes, your library LinkedIn Learning account works across all devices including desktop, laptop, tablet, phone, and TV. Your viewing history and playlists are synced.
How long does free access last?
Access lasts for as long as your library card remains active. As long as you keep your card in good standing by renewing on time and avoiding late fees, you can maintain FREE continuous access.
Can I download courses for offline viewing?
LinkedIn Learning allows you to download courses to your mobile device so you can keep learning even without an internet connection. Downloads are available for iOS and Android apps.
Are certificates of completion available?
Most courses offer downloadable certificates when you complete 100% of the material. Add these to your LinkedIn profile or resume.
Can I access LinkedIn Learning’s learning paths?
Learning paths that group sets of related courses are included. Learning paths provide a guided, structured learning experience around skills and subjects.
Is technical support offered?
You can utilize LinkedIn Learning’s technical support options if you encounter any issues. Contact customer service by phone or live chat. Librarians may also be able to assist.
What if my library card expires?
Once your card expires, your LinkedIn Learning access will end until you renew it. Be sure to renew your library card on time to avoid any interruption in access. Contact your library for renewal help.
Can I use someone else’s library card?
No, libraries allow access only with your own personalized card and account. Attempting to access with someone else’s library credentials is considered fraudulent.
Learning new skills and topics through LinkedIn Learning can benefit anyone looking to advance their career, business, or personal life. Luckily, you can access LinkedIn Learning at zero cost if your local library provides it. Take advantage of this free way to unlock thousands of courses taught by industry experts.
Conclusion
LinkedIn Learning offers an immense collection of courses covering in-demand job skills, creative abilities, and professional training. But the standard subscription of around $30 per month may be prohibitively expensive for some learners. Libraries across the U.S. and Canada are now providing 100% free access to cardholders so anyone can benefit from learning new skills or knowledge.
To use this valuable resource for free, first check that your library participates in the LinkedIn Learning initiative. Then, make sure your library card account is active and in good standing. Register for LinkedIn Learning with your library credentials. Once logged in, you’ll have unlimited access to all 16,000+ courses for as long as you maintain an active library membership. This free way to use LinkedIn Learning can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
Libraries are an essential community resource, and free LinkedIn Learning access is just one of the many perks offered to members. Whether you want to gain tech skills, creative abilities, business acumen, or personal development, a library card unlocks free learning opportunities through LinkedIn Learning. This service empowers people to keep growing and achieving their goals without financial limitation. So check with your local library branch and start accessing LinkedIn Learning’s immense learning resources completely free today!
