Libraries will offer IT courses

Washington residents now have access to online technology training thanks to a partnership between Microsoft and the Washington State Library. IT (Information Technology) Academy is now available to anyone looking to advance their technology skills or to become certified in specific software programs. Locally, residents can participate through Neill Public Library in Pullman, Whitman County Library with branches in Colfax and 13 surrounding communities and through the websites of either library.

IT Academy allows library card holders to set up an account and choose from up to 250 online information technology courses at no cost. Courses will range from the Microsoft Office Suite to computer networking and programming. Currently, the basic digital literacy feature is available from both the Neill Public and Whitman County Library websites, with the complete IT Academy becoming available by Dec.1. These can be accessed at http://www.neill-lib.org and whitco.lib.wa.us.

The announcement of statewide access to the IT Academy came during an official launch to a crowd assembled at Spokane Public Library. Speakers included Secretary of State Kim Wyman, State Librarian Rand Simmons, officials from Microsoft and Spokane Mayor David Condon.

“This is such an amazing opportunity for people at every skill level. The library has always been the great equalizer for education so providing IT skills training and even certification through libraries makes perfect sense.”

Washington will be the first state to offer the IT Academy training and certification programs to both its public schools and public libraries. Secretary Wyman was the driving force behind the state funding, with the legislature approving $1.5 million and the remaining $9 million coming from Microsoft.