Rogers Free Library (RFL) has contracted with Lynda.com to bring its 14,000 video courses into the homes and offices of RFL cardholders free of charge. Lynda.com is recognized as the world’s top teaching site for mastering technical skills, creative techniques, business strategies, and more.
“Helping our patrons become life-long learners is a priority for Rogers Free Library,” said Joan Prescott, library director. “We’ve been searching for ways to bring more value to our teen and adult patrons, and to support Bristol’s local businesses and vibrant nonprofit community. Lynda.com fits the bill.”
RFL cardholders can now access Lynda.com’s high-quality video courses from their computer, tablet or smartphone. Courses are taught by instructors recognized for both knowing their material and knowing how to teach it.
After accessing the Lynda.com platform from the RFL website, library cardholders can create their own account, track their progress and even earn certificates of completion. Because Lynda.com is normally a paid subscription service, this new RFL offering is a major benefit to library cardholders.
A sample of available learning opportunities include:
- Software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator
- Web design: web graphics, interactive design, prototyping
- Social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blogging
- Personal development: self-awareness, time management, making decisions, public speaking
- Photography: composition, lighting, photojournalism, night photography
- Business: leadership, management, marketing, project management, presentations, business strategy
- Job search: resume writing and design, networking, freelancing, recovering from layoff
- Technology: cloud admin, software development, web development, cybersecurity
- Engineering: 3D design, drafting, construction management, AutoCAD
- Finance: taxes, personal finance, Quicken, teaching kids about money
“While there are a myriad of offerings for all users, we also believe our Bristol small businesses and nonprofits will benefit from courses such as marketing using social media, mastering financial tools and designing ads and websites,” said Ms. Prescott. “And we expect teens to explore courses on robotics, coding, cartooning, fashion design, and writing a first resume.”
The RFL Lynda.com initiative is funded by the Friends of Rogers Free Library, a 501(c) foundation that accepts donations and supports the library with funding for its extensive children’s programs, numerous adult programs, and now the video learning library available through Lynda.com.
Rogers Free Library strives to serve a diverse community to provide access to ideas, information and essential resources in both print and digital format. The goal is to promote life-long learning, encourage the joys of reading, and support the interests of its patrons. A strong advocate of intellectual freedom, Rogers Free Library endeavors to enrich t hives of those who avail themselves of its services and facilities. To learn more about library programs, as well as meeting spaces available to community groups, visit www.rogersfreelibrary.org.