What is LinkedIn Learning for library?

LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform that provides access to thousands of professional development courses for individuals and organizations. It offers video tutorials taught by industry experts across a wide range of topics like business, creative, and technology skills. Many libraries now provide access to LinkedIn Learning as part of their digital resources and services.

How can libraries use LinkedIn Learning?

There are several key ways libraries are utilizing LinkedIn Learning:

• Staff training and development – LinkedIn Learning is an excellent resource for libraries to train staff on new systems, develop leadership and management skills, foster creativity and more. It provides unlimited access to learning content that can be consumed anytime, anywhere.
• Patron skill-building – Libraries offer LinkedIn Learning to their patrons/members to help them gain professional skills and advance their careers. Patrons can build skills in areas like software, business analysis, project management, design, marketing, personal development and much more.
• Part of digital ecosystem – Many libraries now provide access to LinkedIn Learning along with other digital resources like ebooks, research databases, online courses etc. It adds diversity to their digital collections.
• Promoting lifelong learning – Libraries aim to foster a culture of learning for all ages and LinkedIn Learning provides engaging, high-quality learning content to continue educating beyond the classroom.
• Serve small businesses – Libraries help small business owners, entrepreneurs, freelancers etc. build business acumen through LinkedIn Learning which offers a wealth of business and technology courses.
• Host events – Libraries can use LinkedIn Learning content and experts to organize workshops, seminars and speaker series on professional development topics.

Benefits of offering LinkedIn Learning

There are many benefits libraries can realize by offering LinkedIn Learning to their staff and members:

• Boost skills and productivity – It enables libraries to build a more skilled, dynamic workforce and patron community.
• Staff motivation through learning – Access to LinkedIn Learning shows staff that the library invests in their growth and cares about their career progression.
• Attract and retain talent – A learning culture and great development opportunities gives libraries a competitive edge in recruiting and retaining talented staff.
• Enhance library’s value – Providing access to premium learning content adds tremendous value to the library’s offerings at no additional infrastructure cost.
• Convenience – Learners can access courses 24/7 through desktop, mobile devices. Library cards provide seamless access without any barriers.
• Trusted content – LinkedIn Learning offers highly engaging content designed by real-world experts, not academics.
• Exposure and visibility – Offering access to LinkedIn Learning gives libraries exposure to new user groups who may not regularly use the library.
• Improved service culture – Staff training ultimately helps libraries better serve their communities with expanded skill sets.

Key features and content of LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning provides the following key features:

• Over 16,000+ expert-led courses covering business, creative and technology topics.
• New courses added daily across a diverse range of subjects.
• Courses feature videos broken into bite-sized tutorials usually 3-5 minutes long.
• Downloadable exercise files to work alongside many courses.
• Bookmarking capabilities to track learning progress.
• Certificates of completion to showcase new skills gained.
• Curated learning paths to help navigate topics and achieve learning objectives.

Some examples of popular course topics available on LinkedIn Learning include:

How libraries source access to LinkedIn Learning

Libraries primarily gain access to LinkedIn Learning through two methods:

• Direct subscriptions – Larger libraries and systems purchase direct subscriptions to LinkedIn Learning for their staff and users. This offers full access to all content. Pricing is based on number of users with discounts for multi-year agreements.
• Content aggregators – Smaller individual libraries can access LinkedIn Learning through content aggregators like OverDrive and hoopla digital that broker access to digital content packages for libraries. Here the available content may be narrowed compared to direct subscriptions.

Some key considerations for libraries in sourcing LinkedIn Learning access include:

• Number of users – Determine how many staff and patrons need access.
• Budget – Evaluate budget and pricing to assess affordability.
• Ease of access – Assess which source option provides the simplest access for users.
• Content needs – Review content catalog to ensure it provides breadth and depth to meet learning needs.
• Technical capacity – Factor in technical needs to surface LinkedIn Learning on the library website and catalog.
• Admin controls – Confirm ability to generate usage reports and custom permissions for different user groups.

Best practices for implementing LinkedIn Learning

To successfully roll out and drive engagement with LinkedIn Learning, libraries can follow these best practices:

• Promote internally – Let staff know about this new learning resource and train them on how to access it. Get their input on content needs.
• Promote to patrons – Market LinkedIn Learning through social media, newsletters, posters and the library website. Highlight key topic areas of interest.
• Make it visible – Feature LinkedIn Learning prominently on the library website and catalog for easy discovery. Add links within staff intranets and portals.
• Simplify access – Integrate LinkedIn Learning with the library’s ID/card system for one-click access using library credentials. No separate login needed.
• Organize content – Curate and promote specific playlists and learning paths to guide users — e.g. New Manager Resources.
• Incorporate in programming – Host workshops and events based around LinkedIn Learning content to drive awareness.
• Provide equipment – Offer browsers or workstations with headphones to comfortably take courses at the library.
• Gather feedback – Survey staff and patrons on their experience, needs and impact of LinkedIn Learning to guide enhancements.
• Track usage – Monitor usage statistics, completion rates, and trending content to showcase value and inform service evolution.

Usage examples from libraries

Here are some real examples of how different types of libraries are putting LinkedIn Learning to use:

New York Public Library

• Offers LinkedIn Learning to all patrons with a library card as part of their e-resources.
• Promotes LinkedIn Learning courses related to in-demand skills like data visualization, digital marketing, UI/UX design, etc. to support career development.
• Features playlists for job seekers to learn interview skills, resume writing, and workplace excellence.

San Francisco Public Library

• Uses LinkedIn Learning to train library staff on new technologies, tools, and services – e.g. Tableau, Adobe Creative Suite, Chrome OS.
• Curated learning paths for managers on leadership, emotional intelligence, and coaching skills.
• Provides career transition support with playlists for developing tech skills or starting a small business.

University of Michigan Library

• Integrated LinkedIn Learning into their digital ecosystem for students and faculty/staff development.
• Marketed LinkedIn Learning for advancing technology skills – e.g. Python, MATLAB, Photoshop.
• Created learning paths like “Succeed As A Remote Student” and “Prepare For Tech Interviews.”

Memorial Sloan Kettering Library

• Offered LinkedIn Learning to hospital staff to promote continuous learning and development in healthcare roles.
• Curated playlists for “Clinical Research 101”, “Medical Writing”, “Patient Experience” and other topics.
• Used LinkedIn Learning for training hospital affiliates nationally on topics like HIPAA compliance, leadership, and diversity/inclusion.

Conclusion

LinkedIn Learning presents an exciting opportunity for libraries to expand their digital resources and services for staff and patrons. By providing access to LinkedIn Learning, libraries can support skill-building, foster a culture of learning, and increase their value and impact on the community. Libraries of all types have found innovative ways to incorporate LinkedIn Learning into their service ecosystem and drive high engagement. Following best practices around promotion, access, content curation and user feedback is key to maximizing the benefits of LinkedIn Learning.