New career skills training courses within the Axis 360 digital platform provides library patrons access to invaluable career training. Baker & Taylor’s online courses, powered by Penn Foster, prepare online learners for in-demand jobs and ensure industry advancement and career mobility.

The career field has changed in America—digital skills are in high demand and computer literacy is necessary. For more than 128 years, Penn Foster, an accredited online school, has empowered millions of students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace of today. These courses are an extension of that mission, and a way for libraries to offer patrons more.

Mid-Continent Public Library is one of the first customers to launch the program within their library system, which reaches more than 800,000 citizens in the Greater Kansas City area. “Library customers are increasingly turning to the library as a resource to ‘upskill’ and gain the tools to compete in the ever-changing economy,” said Steven V. Potter, executive director of Mid-Continent.

Libraries play a critical role in fostering a community of lifelong learners, and Baker & Taylor helps libraries achieve greater engagement through programs like this. “As our customers increasingly pursue self-driven employment opportunities, including gig economy work and even traditional skilled labor expertise,” Potter added, “this new partnership will provide unprecedented access to mobile-friendly, self-paced learning opportunities designed for working learners and focused on today’s most in-demand skills.”

These courses, provided on the Axis 360 digital platform (also home to ebooks and audiobooks), are self-paced and designed for nontraditional learners; they include digital literacy, career-oriented math, and adult literacy, and offer more than 700 full-time proctors, teaching assistants and academic coaches.

“By helping public libraries provide seamless access to skills training for the most in-demand jobs, we are creating new opportunities for career mobility that can be accessed by the individuals who need it most,” said Amandeep Kochar, executive vice president of Public Library Sales and Technology at Baker & Taylor. “One of the primary goals of our library partners is to help patrons succeed in their careers by fostering an environment of lifelong learning.”

We’re excited to work with you! For more information contact your sales consultant, email btinfo@baker-taylor.com or call 800-775-1800.