Professional Librarian Development with Lynda.com is a poster in the 2020 PNLA Virtual Poster Session. We encourage you to engage in discussion by leaving a comment on the page. The author of the poster will respond to comments the week of August 4-7, 2020.

Presenters: Niki Sutherland, Devon Tatton, Caitlin Ottenbreit, Leah Pearse, Deborah Van Der Linde, Katie Gunther, Delia Filipescu, & Megan Clark

Track: Public Library

Abstract: During Covid-19, Greater Victoria Public Library used Lynda.com for librarian professional development. Librarians saw an opportunity to use their learning to co-create a community of colleagues using Lynda tutorials as a discussion platform. This poster explains the impact, challenges and opportunities of librarians learning with Lynda.com

Poster:


Librarian Professional Development with Lynda.com

About the Presenter: This large group of Canadian librarians work in Public Services, in portfolios ranging from Early Literacy to Creative Technology and Arts, Culture and History. We have a combined library services experience of over 70 years.

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Rick
8 months ago

Beautiful poster. Well designed. I have always thought libraries are a collection of ideas — and ideas are not only books — but even classes. Lynda is one platform for that. Can you share some specific course subjects that were taken?

niki
Reply to  Rick
8 months ago

Thanks, Rick! We took courses in 6 categories; Change and Time Management, Customer Service, Communication, Mindfulness, Self-Reflection and Productivity. Here are some examples from those categories:

  • Handling workplace change as an Employee
  • Customer Service Foundations
  • Communicating with Empathy
  • Mindfulness Practices
  • Subtle Shifts in thinking for tremendous resilience
  • The Courage habit finding your introvert/extrovert balance in the workplace
  • 6 morning habits of high performers

We were all quite varied in our opinions of which courses were best; there was no consensus or even a strong pattern on which content was considered most valuable within our group.

Pam Henley
8 months ago

Our state library created a cohort taking a time management course on Lynda.com, using some available funding to pay for those who didn’t already have access, then we had a few group discussion meetings to share ideas. It’s a great learning model! Thanks for sharing.

niki
Reply to  Pam Henley
8 months ago

That sounds like such a nice way to develop staff throughout the state…and it sounds well aligned with your leadership toolbox poster, too.:) The virtual discussions are so useful, because they offer the opportunity for everyone to attend, where differing schedules, locations etc. can make being physically present a barrier.

Genova
8 months ago

Great- I love this. Very clear and colorful and to the point.

niki
Reply to  Genova
8 months ago

Thanks, Genova!

lgfraser
Admin
8 months ago

It sounds like your group was able to take the more business-oriented content and apply it to the library environment through your discussions. Could you share a bit about how you did that? Was it simply an outcome of individuals making those connections, or did you build something intentionally into the content or structure of the discussion?

niki
Reply to  lgfraser
8 months ago

Thanks for your comment! The discussions supported unpacking the business-oriented content through each person’s understanding and application of the content to their work experiences. people naturally built ideas, arguments and counterarguments through the conversations. The conversations were not structured, and the groups were small — we had 2 discussion groups (which has merged into one).I believe the initial small groups supported everyone in having a chance to speak.

Lorena
8 months ago

I really liked that you all did this as a cohort. That kind of support is important for things like this – its too easy to put it off. you created a group buddy system – you all learned something and gave value to yourselves and your organization.

niki
Reply to  Lorena
8 months ago

Thanks, Lorena! Yes, connecting with each other made the conversations valuable — team building is always useful, and connecting with colleagues during a pandemic allowed for increased morale. While this may seem obvious, it was an unintended benefit.
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