Explore resources for learning on your own time, and at your own pace. There are many free or UA Library-provided resources available to those who want to educate themselves, whether it’s for developing job or technology skills, getting ready for a school or career exam, or just learning more about an interesting topic.
For more information, you can also talk to a librarian in the Reference Department at the Main Library. Stop by, call us at 614-486-3342, or email reference@ualibrary.org. We’re happy to help!
Indexes / Databases
The following sources provided by UA Library can be freely accessed with your UA Library card number and PIN. Please note: Links to our databases open in a new window or tab in your browser
Gale Presents: Peterson’s Test and Career Prep – Provides courses and test preparation materials for hundreds of academic and occupational exams, including ACT, SAT, Civil Service, ASVAB, GRE, and much more. Also includes courses on basic skills and Microsoft Office programs.
Kanopy Streaming Cinema – Includes documentaries as well as educational and instructional videos in this streaming service provided by the UA Library. Includes The Great Courses series.
LinkedIn Learning – Provides online tutorials and courses that teach business, software, technology, creative skills and more.
Niche Academy – Offers tutorials on using many of the UA Library’s most popular online databases and social networking sites like Instagram and Twitter.
Northstar – Digital Literacy – Provides instructions and assessments of basic to advanced digital literacy skills, from using the mouse to searching for jobs online.
Small Business Reference Center – Provides a variety of resources for those who wish to improve their business skills. Includes instruction, lectures, and interviews.
Interested in arts and crafts or DIY instructional resources for home improvement and car repair?
The UA Library’s list of Consumer, Home, and Car databases include Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center, Creativebug, Home Improvement Reference Center, Chilton Auto Repair, and more.
Websites
The following are some suggestions of websites that offer free online learning.
GCFLearnFree.org – Dedicated to helping people learn the skills they need to live and work in the 21st century, this program offers thousands of up-to-date lessons covering more than 200 topics, including:
- Technology courses – Includes free courses that range from basic computer to advanced Excel, and a lot in between, including email, social media, and online safety tutorials.
- Job and Career – Provides tutorials on job searching, developing work skills, and professional development.
- Core Skills – Includes courses on personal finance, reading and math, digital literacy, and more.
LearningExpress Library through Ohio Means Jobs – The State of Ohio provides access to this free resource. To find courses, click here and select “Access Learning Express Anonymously” or click here to create an account and save your progress. Find courses covering:
- Business and Technology Skills – Includes courses on writing, public speaking, and financial literacy, as well as computer and software skills.
- School Test Prep – Contains preparation courses for High School Equivalency, ACT/SAT preparation, graduate school entrance exams, and more.
- Career Test Prep – Covers exams and tests for many career paths, including civil service, law enforcement, nursing, military, and much more.
For Basic Computer Skills and Digital Literacy, try one of these:
Interested in learning Computer Programming/Coding? Check out these free resources:
Want to learn new skills or learn about a topic at a more in-depth and academic level? Try Massive Online Open Courses, or MOOCs – free online courses covering technology and other skills. Some popular MOOC providers include:
Do you want to watch Educational Videos on topics you are interested in? Here are some options:
Search Starters
Go to catalog.ualibrary.org, and search for the topics that interest you to discover and request educational videos, handbooks, manuals, study guides, and more; or click on one of the topics below.