Library participates in new online learning program

Irene Ingle Public Library has added a new digital tool for its users, enrolling itself in a one-year trial with educational website Lynda.com.

Library card holders can access the site from any computer or device connected to the internet and are able to earn certifications in more than 4,000 areas of study.

“You can do all sorts of things,” said head librarian Margaret Villarma.

She explained that the program was recommended by the Friends of the Library, which paid $2,500 for the year’s subscription.

Lynda.com is an online learning company that helps its users hone different business, software, technology and creative skills, with both personal and professional applications. Subjects are wide-ranging, falling within categories such as information technology, business, marketing, design, 3D printing, education, photography and writing. Students can even use the program to study for their SAT and ACT exams.

“It’s a wide variety,” Villarma said. “And they add more every week.”

The site can be accessed through the http://www.wrangell.com/library web page. Sign-in is simple: At Lynda.com one can click on the sign-in bar and choose the organization login option. Using the second, organization URL option, type in “wrangell.com” and proceed. Login can then be completed by entering one’s library card number, and the last four digits of the same as a PIN. The site will then prompt the user to fill in any additional contact data.

Inside the site, a tutorial video will acquaint new users with the site’s features. A person can then identify areas of interest, searching through over 4,000 different tutorials and primers. Courses tend to last an hour or more, but comprehensively cover specific topics. Once completed, users can earn professional development units and skill certifications.

The library will be keeping up with usage figures, which will help determine whether to keep the program after the year is up.

“I’m hoping that people really like it,” said Villarma.

The program is a new one for the Friends of the Library, which funds different projects aimed at enriching users’ experience. The Friends raises money through their annual book sale and its ongoing raffle. A pair of system-wide tickets have been donated by Alaska Airlines, for which the drawing is set for Nov. 25. For more information or to sign up for a card, check out your local library.