The library system that I work at had a 2 year contract with Lynda.com before it was purchased by Microsoft and became LinkedIn Learning. We will not be renewing our contract.
Why? LinkedIn, which owns the Lynda product, has significantly changed their licensing terms, and will require any patron who wants to use Lynda.com to have a verified LinkedIn account. We value the privacy and confidentiality of our patrons' use of library resources, and LinkedIn is crossing a line by requiring patrons to provide personally identifiable information in order to use a library resource. Unless this information has changed recently, but I don't believe it has.
If you want to read more:
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/28/linkedin-change-to-learning-tools-registration-upsets-librarians.html
https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-public-library-faces-off-with-linkedin-over-privacy-concerns/
https://www.edsurge.com/news/2019-07-23-as-linkedin-learning-subsumes-lynda-com-library-groups-raise-privacy-concerns
"Lynda's Privacy Problem" - ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom https://www.oif.ala.org/oif/?p=17968
Instead, we've gone with Gale's new product: Gale Presents Udemy which provides online video courses in the same way that Lynda.com/LinkedIn Learning does. We also offer Gale Courses powered by Ed2Go.
I hope that helps!
Cassie
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Cassandra Collucci
Training Manager
Somerset County Library System
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Original Message:
Sent: Jun 15, 2020 07:13 AM
From: Heather Hall
Subject: LinkedIn Learning (Formerly Lynda.com)
Hello everyone.
I am going through the exploration process for determining whether or not LinkedIn Learning is right for my public library system. I am relatively new to the field, and I have done quite a bit of reading on the subject, but there is nothing like talking to other colleagues and experts in the field. Are there any specific pros/cons or bits of information you know/wish you had known when reviewing the service? Thank you in advance for your help.
With appreciation.
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Heather Hall
Learning & Innovation Coordinator
Cumberland County Public Library
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