This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
The Longmont Public Library has recently acquired access to Lynda.com classes and tutorials. These are being shared with the public. To access the classes you only have to use your library card.
Lynda.com is a premier online learning resource offering more than 4,000 courses covering technical skills, creative techniques, business strategies, and more. Lynda for Libraries allows you to watch videos in small, easy-to-manage chunks and to return to the lessons at your convenience.
Course offerings include:
- Art, graphic design, and music classes, teaching everything from 3D animation to engineering sounds to the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, and more);
- Help with computer programs, including basic videos on how to use Microsoft Office;
- Courses that can help you with your career; everything from public speaking to marketing to dealing with workplace issues;
- Computer programming, IT management (Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X), and web design;
- Photography and video;
- and much more!
Signing up for Lynda.com classes is easy. You can find access to Lynda.com through the library's website. You create a profile by entering your library card number. After creating a password, your account is established and you can begin learning.
The Longmont Public Library also offers Learning Express courses. These are free to cardholders as well. Learning Express allows you to:
- Explore over 1,000 occupations and get matches for your interests
- Learn computer skills such as Microsoft products, Photoshop, and more
- Practice for occupational tests including Civil Service, EMT, Firefighter, Nursing, Real Estate, Teaching, and Commercial Drivers License (CDL)
- Get ready for the GED test by taking courses an practicing the tests (tests are offered in Spanish, too!)
For patrons who wish to learn more about basic computer skills, the library offers DigitalLearn. This system will help you:
- Get started on a computer, navigate a website, use email, conduct basic searches and more on a PC or Mac.
- Protect yourself online, including creating secure accounts and passwords, avoiding online scams, and how to best protect your internet privacy.
- Use Microsoft Word to create, format, and save a document.
- Create a resumé in Microsoft Word and conduct an online job search.
- Use cloud storage.
- Use Skype and Facebook.
- Buy a plane ticket online.
- Or, if you're 55+ and prefer a live classroom learning experience, check out all the great technology classes, labs, and clubs offered at the Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Ave. You can find them in the latest issue of The GO catalog.
All of the DigitalLearn courses are less than 25 minutes long and are completely free to use.
These programs can be accessed either at home or on one of the library's computers. To visit the library's page that will offer you a link to each of these course options click here. If you need further assistance accessing or navigating these programs contact a librarian at (303) 651-8470.
