Vol. 55 No. 3 (2019): April

Library Technology Reports (vol. 55, no. 3), "Micro-credentials and Digital Badges," edited by Emily Rimland and Victoria Raish

Digital badges, a type of micro-credential, have been heralded for the last five years as a key trend in education to provide competency-based pathways to learning. Micro-credentials allow for a unique way to teach students information literacy skills. Many libraries may be interested in implementing a micro-credentialing program but may have questions about design, mechanics, and sustainability. This report will give readers much of that background information. After reviewing the report, readers should be able to

• define micro-credentials and the mechanics of using them
• identify learning scenarios where micro-credentials can be beneficial
• acknowledge the design considerations that are specific to badges
• identify partnerships needed for a successful program
• know the existing systems possible for building a micro-credentialing program for information literacy or library skills
• feel empowered with knowledge to begin building a program