Penn Foster Launches New Advanced Library Platform for Students via Springshare

SCRANTON, PA--(Marketwired - May 04, 2017) - Penn Foster, a leading skills solutions organization focused on providing competencies, career pathways and employment matching for today's evolving workforce, today announced the launch of its new online library platform for its students powered by the Springshare library technology platform. With best-in-class, easy to use tools that are designed by and for librarians, Penn Foster has customized Springshare's responsive content management platform to offer its students a brand new, user-friendly, mobile accessible, library experience.

"Offering our library resources through Springshare further enhances our full-stack model encompassing engaging content, a responsive platform, and coaching support," said Dara Warn, Chief Outcomes Officer at Penn Foster. "The responsive library platform integrates seamlessly with our newly launched PFx competency-based learning platform, realigning content for smaller screens so students can utilize the library on their mobile phones and tablets, at home or on the go. The sheer volume of academic materials our 140,000 active students are now able to access helps to enrich their learning experience."

With 10M+ users worldwide, Springshare is a next-generation hub of learning online, helping libraries thrive in a digital-first world while providing superb service to users. Among other capabilities, Springshare's modern search functionality and built-in meta capabilities now make it much easier for Penn Foster students to research and identify material they need through intuitive keyword searches. Students are now able to search through 43 academic databases and journals geared specifically to the programs and courses offered by Penn Foster, which seamlessly sync into the library.

Though the content is organized by High School, Career School and College -- and organized further by program -- Penn Foster students have access to all content across all three schools, including more than 3,000 links to resources, documents and eBooks. The new library also features an "Ask a Librarian" live reference chat, as well as phone and email support for students during business hours. Penn Foster's library is lead by Betsy Reichart, MSLIS, who has 30 years of experience as a librarian.

About Penn Foster

Students, employers and partner organizations rely on Penn Foster to build the skills and knowledge to power the 21st century workforce. For over 125 years, Penn Foster has been dedicated to helping people lead more meaningful and productive lives and to improving social outcomes through education. Penn Foster provides career pathways for opportunity youth and adult learners through diverse and affordable online diploma, certificate and degree programs, offered via its high school, career school and college. With more than 30,000 graduates each year, Penn Foster's online and blended learning programs are delivered in a self-paced, competency-based model wrapped by comprehensive academic, professional and personal support and coaching. For more information, visit https://www.pennfoster.edu/