As the new year unfolds, it’s common for individuals to set New Year’s resolutions. January 1 presents an opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to leave a bad habit behind, or to work toward a long-held ambition. Let’s make 2024 a year for learning something new and strengthening our communities.
Public libraries are essential to this goal. They are vital hubs for knowledge and self-improvement as well as an accessible, welcoming space for learners of all ages. Libraries that subscribe to Gale’s Adult Online Learning Suite have a head start to help their patrons prepare for future success. According to the U.S. Department of Education, by 2027, 70% of American jobs will demand some level of education or training beyond the high-school level. Of course, not everyone has the opportunity or financial ability to pursue higher education or advanced training, leaving millions of adults with little path forward. With Gale, personal and professional growth is within reach for everyone. Library patrons and members of your community can use these resources any time, any place, and on their own schedule.
Our Adult Online Learning Suite houses thousands of accessible training courses, tutoring, and professional development resources crafted with working adults in mind. Together, this collection of resources can help your library show its value as a resource for educational development, upskilling, and career growth. With Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School, Gale Presents: Udemy, Gale Presents: Peterson’s Test and Career Prep, and Gale Courses, it’s never been easier for your patrons to achieve their personal and professional goals for the new year.
Build a More Inclusive Community
Your library patrons represent all walks of life, creating a diverse community of perspectives and experiences. However, not everyone may have had equal access to education and opportunities for advancement. Your library resources serve as a valuable way by which patrons can access these basic privileges. Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School is an essential tool for promoting inclusion and equity within your library community. Content is available in multiple languages and users can even leverage one-on-one academic tutoring.
A high school diploma is the first step toward advancement in most careers, but not everyone has equal access to education. Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School makes obtaining a high school diploma achievable for adults who, for whatever reason, didn’t have this opportunity. Coursework is entirely online and tuition-free for public library users. Furthermore, the 21.5-credit curriculum has been designed with the next steps of adult learners in mind—whether that’s undergraduate coursework or a career change. As individuals achieve higher levels of education, your community benefits alongside them. Local businesses have a more educated local workforce, and workers are entitled to increased pay.
Access On-Demand Courses for New Skills
For busy adults, learning a new skill can be especially challenging. The ever-expanding internet and social media landscape presents its own set of barriers for older community members who didn’t grow up with access to technology. At the same time, scheduling around formal coursework is nearly impossible for parents and working individuals. Gale Presents: Udemy is a special collection of on-demand courses, all designed with flexibility and relevancy at the fore. Udemy is frequently updated to respond to new trends and skill sets needed for success in the modern workforce. Your patrons can develop their leadership potential, learn the basics of computer coding, master Microsoft Excel, cultivate their social media expertise, and so much more. Whether to foster a long-time passion, switch careers later in life, or reach a new professional milestone, users can work toward their goals.
Each Gale Presents: Udemy course features several hours of video-based tutorials featuring subject matter experts, supplemental reading, and a certificate of completion. Plus, as a Gale subscriber, you can feel confident that your products are accessible to non-native speakers. All coursework is asynchronous, on demand, and available in multiple spoken languages. Patrons can engage on a timeline and in a format that works for them. Resources are also downloadable to their devices, so users can learn on their own schedule. The platform eliminates traditional academic hurdles and financial burdens, which means anyone can learn and grow without stigma or stress.
Leverage Career Preparation Tools
Adults who lack access to the traditional education system or those who haven’t been in school for some time may struggle with the many steps needed for a successful career switch or professional change. Components such as standardized testing or job interviews can cause stress and anxiety, creating barriers for even the most motivated patrons. Gale Presents: Peterson’s Test and Career Prep evens the playing field. Peterson’s Test and Career Prep features practice tests, credentialing exams, and licensure assessments to help patrons prepare for a range of careers and gain invaluable confidence in their testing ability.
Aside from testing, Gale Presents: Peterson’s Test and Career Prep helps with career preparation. Resources include vetted information to help patrons choose a college or university, financial aid tutorials, resumé building tools, and general guidance on changing careers. From career assessments, networking support, and built-in job search features, Peterson’s Test and Career Prep will help patrons land their next job and raise the bar within the community.
Empower Lifelong Learning
With Gale’s accessible education platforms, your library becomes a hub for lifelong learning, improving your community’s overall well-being and self-esteem. Learning something new is important for a career change, a promotion, or an academic degree, but it’s just as vital for overall mental health and happiness at any age. Plus, shared passions and knowledge inspire deeper connections within your community. Gale Courses provides a simple platform for anyone to approach and explore lifelong learning.
Gale Courses are structured into six-week-long commitments, and content is available 24/7. Education experts are constantly adding new, high-quality courses to support any learning goal, whether for business, technology, art, health, or just a fun hobby. College instructors guide students through each course and users engage through online discussion boards, games, and hands-on lessons. With over 300 courses to choose from, Gale Courses can help your patrons park curiosity and a love of learning at any stage of life.
Make 2024 a new year for a new you—and your patrons. Your library has the power to break down traditional barriers to education and help strengthen your community. Bring Gale’s adult learning resources to your library and support education at every level. Libraries can subscribe to individual databases or access the full package based on your community’s needs and budget.
If you want to learn more about these life-changing adult learning resources or request a trial, contact your local representative today.