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Digital Leadership for Libraries
Digital Leadership for Libraries
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Digital Leadership For Libraries

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.  


Digital Leadership For Libraries modules:

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


FAQ

The course is currently unavailable but will be back online from 2026. If you’d like to hear when it re-open let us know. Register Interest

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.

There is no charge to complete the course, but you will need to follow the enrol now button to register.

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.

If you complete all five modules, you will be awarded a digital certificate.

CILIP membership includes access to learning resources, journals and communities. You can find out more here