Lynda.com Courses Return to Prince George’s County

Now with Enhanced Privacy Protections

Largo, Maryland – The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is pleased to announce the return of free access to Lynda.com Library for PGCMLS card holders. The Library initially offered access to Lynda.com in 2015 and the subscription was suspended in 2019 when the Library was concerned that the platform’s integration with Linkedin Learning would lead to the possibility that user data could be harvested for commercial purposes. After extensive discussions with Lynda.com, PGCMLS has entered into a new agreement that ensures appropriate user privacy protections for Prince Georgians who access the free online courses.

Lynda.com Library offers over 4,000 instructional videos led by renowned subject experts. Customers can learn technical skills, creative techniques, business strategies, and more. The platform also provides 12 categories of learning paths for discovering new subject areas and learning opportunities, ranging from “3D + Animation” and “Marketing” to “Education + Elearning.” Learning paths like “Become a User Experience Designer” and “Become a Music Business Entrepreneur” provided a focused menu of courses that will guide learners to achieving desired levels of expertise with new skills.

“PGCMLS is pleased to again offer Lynda.com, which has historically been one of our most popular online resources,” said Michael Gannon, Chief Operating Officer for Support Services. “The quality of the Lynda.com courses is excellent and we now have a solid agreement with Lynda.com that ensures Prince Georgians’ user data is protected and that no third-party account is required to access content.”

Course content is available on computers or mobile devices (iOs, Android, Win8 apps are available). Features of Lynda.com Library include a playlist where learners can save courses that interest them for completion at a later date, course certifications that can demonstrate expertise for job applications and professional development, and training focused on learning specific software or technical skills. Whether you are high school student, mid-career professional, entrepreneur, or executive, Lynda.com Library offers quality instruction that makes learning engaging.

Lynda.com Vice President for Product Development Hari Srinivasan voices the company’s renewed commitment to serve the needs of libraries: “We’re excited to share that after continued discussions with the library community over the past few months, we’re taking the first steps toward building a new library product that’s dedicated to serving the needs of our library customers and their patrons.”

Prince Georgians can access Lynda.com Library at pgcmls.info with their library card number and pin. PGCPS students can access the platform with their LINK card number. During the public health emergency, customers may renew library cards online and new customers can register for a virtual library card to access dozens of online resources. Those who have used Lynda.com in the past can view their individual course and certificate histories in their secure account profile after they log in. PGCMLS will continue to offer its robust roster of online resources, which include The Great Courses, ArtistWorks, and CreativeBug.

About Prince George’s County Memorial Library System

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) helps customers discover and define opportunities that shape their lives. The Library serves the 915,000+ residents of Prince George’s County, Maryland through 19 branch libraries, a 24/7 online library, and pop-up services throughout the community. PGCMLS is a responsive and trusted community-driven organization. Programs, services, and outreach activities serve booklovers, immigrants and refugees, job seekers, children, young professionals, seniors, and families alike. The Books from Birth and Ready 2 Read programs make the Library the primary source of early literacy education and Kindergarten readiness programs in the County.

PGCMLS’ robust online offerings include curated content collections for kids, teens, educators, Spanish speakers, and more. Special programs include the D.R.E.A.M. Lab, STEM Pals, and 3D printing, which offer teens and lifelong learners with opportunities to learn cutting-edge technology and STEM skills for job readiness or personal enrichment. The Library’s Laurel Branch Library received the 2018 AIA/ALA Library Building Award and was designated the best new public building in Maryland.