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Digital Leadership for Libraries is a free, online learning course comprised of five open-access,
modules created for public library workers, volunteers and apprentices. The modules are intended to
create engagement with the principles and values of being
a digital leader in public libraries, unlocking the potential for all public library workers, and
their
services, to be confident digital leaders.
As of August 2025, the Digital Leadership for Libraries online course is not currently available
while
we move to a new learning platform. It will be back online in 2026. If you’d like to know when we
launch our new learning offer then you can sign up for
updates. In the meantime you can help shape our
offer by telling us what
training you need. If you have any questions, please get in touch at
cilip.learn@cilip.org.uk.
In this module we will explore the challenges and opportunities of digital
transformation in public libraries. We will discuss what computational sense is
and why it is one of the key skills for library staff/leaders.
We will also share the experiences of library staff and their insights into what
makes a good digital leader. We will provide links to useful resources as well
as best practices to build upon. By the end of this
module, you will:
Have a broad understanding of the technologies impacting on information
users
Understand the opportunities and challenges new and emerging technologies
present for public libraries
In this module we will explore the benefits of fostering digital creativity and
other kinds of creative engagement with digital technologies in public
libraries. We will share the experiences of library staff who have
creatively run their own digital initiatives in public libraries. We will also
provide advice and best practices to help you foster digital creativity in your
own library. This module also contains some practical
activities and feedback on the knowledge and skills as you progress. And plenty
of further useful resources. By the end of this module, you will:
Understand the importance of digital creativity
Know the benefits of fostering digital creativity and other kinds of
creative engagement with technologies in public libraries
Understand the crucial role libraries play in ensuring equality of access to
digital technologies and digital creative spaces
In this module we will focus on data stewardship, what it is and why it is so
important. We will introduce you to some approaches and best practices for
managing, using and sharing data to help your library make data-informed
decisions and to better plan for the future. By the end of this module, you will
be able to:
Understand why good data stewardship practice matters
Inspire and empower others to understand the benefits of data stewardship
Contribute to the ethical management and use of data in your library
Have greater awareness of open and transparent data initiatives in public
libraries
In this module we will talk about how meaningful metrics can contribute to
demonstrating the impact of our library services. We will explore various ways
of measuring the impact of our libraries. We will also share
some inspiring examples from public libraries in the UK. Talking or learning
about data or metrics does not need to be boring. This module also contains
plenty of useful resources and practical advice on how to
create and tell engaging data-based stories of your library. By the end of the
module, you will:
Understand the benefits of measuring and demonstrating the impact of public
libraries
Be able to contribute to metrics which demonstrate the impact of digital
programmes in your library
Be confident to use storytelling to communicate the success of your
programmes with data and inspire others to do the same
In this module we will explore what digital marketing is and why it matters in
public libraries. We will provide advice and best practices to help you plan and
launch a digital marketing campaign in your library. We
will also share the experiences of library staff who have successfully run their
own digital marketing initiatives in public libraries. By the end of this
module, you will:
Understand the benefits of digital marketing
Know about different types of digital marketing available for public
libraries
Be able to plan and launch a digital marketing strategy for online campaigns
The programme has been designed as a set of short, interactive and practical modules with case
studies that apply directly to your workplace. A module should take 35-40 minutes to complete. By the
end of the course, you will have gained
an understanding of the value and impact of digital leadership, and a new digital mindset.
The course is funded by Arts Council England and created in conjunction with Artefacto,
a digital
agency that works with libraries and other cultural sector organisations.
Jo Cornish, Chief Development Officer at CILIP, explains the Digital Leadership for Libraries
Course
The CILIP eLearning
hub is the original learning platform for members, and you can still find webinars,
courses and presentations. With all library, information and knowledge
sectors catered for, there is something for everyone.
Yes, we will migrate our existing CILIP eLearning hub content as part of
our digital improvement work. We are also working with several partners to bring a variety
of new high-quality learning opportunities to this space. Sign up to be the first to find
out when we launch our new platform offer. Register Interest
The course is designed for Public Library workers, working at all levels
in the public library. A leadership and digital mindset are important for all staff working
in libraries.
No, you do not need to be a CILIP member to enrol. Arts Council England
funding has secured free provision of this course via CILIP. But there are many great
benefits to being a CILIP member including much more CPD. You can learn
more here.
Each of the five modules can be completed in 35-40 minutes. They are
designed as a complete programme so the most benefit comes from doing them all in order.
However, each can be taken a as stand-alone module if you prefer.