Business News
LearningExpress Library(TM) Usage Up Over 25% as People Turn to Libraries for Help
Thursday 05. February 2009 - Job search skills, career licensing and certification, and GED preparation leading the way during the country's troubled economic times
Substantiating its value to the millions of library patrons who have used the LearningExpress Library(TM) online career and academic-oriented learning platform, LearningExpress, LLC announced today that system-wide usage has jumped by more than 25% in recent months, and in regions which have been extremely hard hit by the economic downturn, the usage has increased by more than 50%. Librarians are referring the growing number of patrons seeking career guidance to LearningExpress Library(TM) as a vital resource to help them get back to work or to enhance their careers. This news comes just weeks before the company plans to release its new version of the platform, which will make navigation through over 770 online courses and practice tests easier than ever.
With LearningExpress Library’s interactive online courses, users can create a powerful resume; learn how to search for a job and write effective cover letters; and master basic computer skills in leading office applications. In addition to these job-related courses, LearningExpress Library(TM) also features hundreds of licensing and certification practice tests to prepare for careers in the industries expected to grow under the government’s new recovery package. These include civil service, healthcare, and education, among others. For those deciding to return to school, they can prepare for college and graduate school admissions tests while brushing up on basic skills.
“Many of our residents affected by the economic downturn have not had to look for work in many years and are lacking the job search skills required in today’s competitive market. LearningExpress Library(TM) not only offers tools that help them get noticed in the job selection process, but it also helps users prepare for career certification or licensing exams required by many of the open positions found in the current job market,” said Deb Biggs Thomas, Michigan eLibrary Coordinator at the Library of Michigan.
LearningExpress also reported a significant increase in usage in the GED preparation courses and practice tests available in LearningExpress Library(TM). For the estimated 30 million adults over the age of 25 who lack a high school diploma, earning a GED credential can substantially increase their likeliness of getting hired, not to mention improve their earnings. In addition to offering practice tests to help individuals score higher, the platform offers a full suite of courses to help build skills in math, reading, and writing, which are essential to passing the GED.
“We are excited by the unprecedented increase in usage, but also honored to witness our learning platform, through the support and partnership of over 4,000 public libraries, helping millions of Americans at a time when they need it most,” said Barry Lippman, President and CEO of LearningExpress, LLC.
LearningExpress Library(TM) can be accessed online, free-of-charge, from any Internet-enabled computer when using a library card from any participating library.