Updated 2025!
Instructional design competencies as requirements in library job postings are commonplace! Just as instructional design has grown, more librarians are being asked to be familiar with instructional design models and principles.
I always encourage librarians to learn more about instructional design! I love being an instructional designer and eLearning developer and think these skills and knowledge are really useful and important anyplace where people are learning! So, I’ve collected a bunch of my blog posts, videos, and other resources to help get you started on your own journey to instructional design.
What is Instructional Design?
Here’s a short introduction! You might also be interested in my one-hour self-paced course on instructional design.
Here’s a whole YouTube playlist with my instructional design videos!
Design and eLearning Development
Have you been thrown into the deep end of the eLearning pool? Are you jumping in excitedly all on your own? Here are a few of my posts on getting started with eLearning development.
Keep in mind that knowing how to USE the software and knowing how to DESIGN effective learning experiences are two different things, so I recommend started with the “so you want to get started” post for some useful design resources.
- So You Want to Get Started with eLearning Development
- Learn an elearning tool:
- LinkedIn Learning (check your local library for free access) has a ton of Instructional Design Essentials courses, on both the theory and practice and more courses on relevant courses.
Build Your Portfolio
To be more competitive in the librarian job market, build a instructional design portfolio! You can get started right away with the software and creating artifacts that show off your new skills! Portfolios are proven to give applicants a leg up when applying for librarian, teaching, and instructional design roles.
Graduate Programs in Instructional Design
- University of San Diego’s Learning Design and Technology program
I’m biased – I teach for this program! But it’s the BEST. Courses are high-quality and faculty (like me!) are experts in their fields. - UC Irvine Certificate in E-Learning Instructional Design
Don’t want another degree? Get a certificate! Full disclosure: this certificate has a partnership with the San Diego program,, above.
Conferences, Podcasts, Blogs, and Websites
Check out my recommendation posts:
- Professional Organizations for Instructional Designers
- Instructional Design Conferences
- Must-Read Books for Instructional Designers
- Instructional Design Podcasts
- Instructional Design Websites and Listservs
- Instructional Design Social Media Groups
There is always programming related to instructional design at library conferences, but get out of the library bubble to meet and learn from professionals that do nothing but design and development for a living! They’re really good at it.
Instructional design is all about designing effective learning experiences by applying a deep knowledge of learning theory to an instructional problem. Always keep the learner forefront!
Hire Me!
As both an experienced librarian and expert instructional designer, I will bring a unique blend of expertise to your library’s educational initiatives. With over 15 years of experience developing learner-centered experiences and 8+ years working directly in libraries, I understand the distinct challenges and opportunities in library-based learning.
I will coach you through your instructional design journey, or, work with you and your institution on something cool!