Ohio Libraries Announce Free Access to LinkedIn’s Online Learning Platform
Michael Penrod, Chair, OPLIN and Director, Wood County District District Public Library, announces new agreement with LinkedIn during news conference on July 17, 2018 at the Ohio Statehouse.
UPDATE: OPLIN’s LinkedIn Learning Subscription Ends June 30
At its February 9, 2024 board meeting, the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN) determined that it will not renew its statewide subscription with LinkedIn Learning. The last day that your library will have access to the statewide subscription is June 30, 2024. OPLIN recommends that you review your library’s usage stats before making any local decisions about renewing LinkedIn Learning for your patrons. If you have questions, contact support@oplin.ohio.gov.
July 17, 2018 — The Ohio Library Council (OLC) and the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN) announced today that through an agreement with LinkedIn, Ohioans will gain free access to the online courses from Lynda.com with a valid Ohio library card. The agreement is the first-of-its-kind in the nation between LinkedIn and a statewide system of public libraries.
Lynda.com, a company acquired by LinkedIn, is now part of LinkedIn Learning, and helps anyone learn business, technology and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals. The service has more than 12,000 courses, ranging from computer programming to project management, including instruction on various computer software, programming languages, and business topics. The video courses are taught by industry experts and are designed for any skill level.
“Normally, using Lynda.com requires a paid subscription, but as an Ohio library cardholder, anyone can now access Lynda.com video courses from any computer with an internet connection simply by entering their library card number and 4-digit PIN,” said Don Yarman, Executive Director, OPLIN. “The OPLIN Board chose to invest in this online learning platform because it gives Ohio’s public libraries another critical tool to cultivate the state’s workforce and it’s strongly aligned with the skills needed for Ohio’s list of in-demand jobs.”
From left: Michael Penrod, Chair, OPLIN and Director, Wood County District District Public Library; Julie Palmer, Senior Account Executive, LinkedIn; Mandy Knapp, Digital Resources Manager, OPLIN; Don Yarman, Executive Director, OPLIN; Michelle Francis, Director, OLC’s Government and Legal Services; Ryan Burgess, Director, Governor’s of Workforce Transformation.
“Technology and automation are changing the nature of work at a rapid pace,” said Ryan Burgess, Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation. “We’re excited to see Ohio libraries partnering with LinkedIn to provide all Ohioans with online continuous learning resources to prepare for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
Public libraries naturally inspire continuous learning and have been active supporters of workforce development in their communities providing computer and internet access and training, resume writing, small business resources, and career exploration through STEM programming and makerspaces. By providing career development resources through Lynda.com, Ohio libraries are able to target a specific need of their citizens, small businesses, employers and local organizations with the goal of driving economic development.
“With this first-of-its-kind partnership, Ohio’s public libraries continue to serve as a model for the nation,” said Doug Evans, Executive Director of the Ohio Library Council. “Ohio already has the highest library use per capita in the United States. We are excited that this service will be available to every cardholder in the state. This partnership will help create economic opportunity and build Ohio’s workforce.”
Ohioans can access to Lynda.com with an Ohio library card and internet connection.
How to Access Lynda.com with an Ohio library card.
To find your local library, visit oplin.org/fal/ .
To learn more, ohioweblibrary.org/lynda/.
