Innovative new resource hub aims to support the adoption and implementation of Learning and Employment Records (LERs) in postsecondary education

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 14, 2024) – The LER Accelerator, in partnership with the Learn & Work Ecosystem Library, is thrilled to announce the development of a new Special Collection dedicated to supporting the adoption and implementation of Learning and Employment Records (LERs) by institutions, educators, and employers.

About the Special Collection

The LER Accelerator Special Collection is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and effective credentialing ecosystem. The curated resources will include a wide range of materials that address the common challenges higher education institutions face in adopting LERs, such as:

• Guidelines and Implementation Tools: Detailed resources to guide institutions through the development and adoption process.
• Best Practices: Insights and strategies from successful implementations of LERs across various institutions.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples demonstrating the positive impact of LERs on student outcomes, including learning, retention, graduation, and career success.

The collection will also focus on the policies, practices, and systems necessary to track learning outcomes, competencies, and skills.

Partnership with the Learn & Work Ecosystem Library

The Learn & Work Ecosystem Library is increasingly recognized for its innovative approach to collecting, curating, and coordinating resources that bring clarity to the learn-and-work ecosystem. The Library’s digital platform, enhanced by the AI Library Assistant bot, ensures that users can easily access and navigate a wealth of information. This partnership aims to leverage these capabilities to support the LER Accelerator’s mission of advancing the adoption of digital credentials in postsecondary education.

Key Features of the Special Collection:

• AI-Powered Search and Assistance: The AI Library Assistant bot will aid users in finding relevant information quickly through conversational queries.
• Comprehensive Resource Aggregation: The collection brings together resources from a wide range of contributors, ensuring a diverse and rich repository of information.
• Collaborative Platform: The Library will facilitate collaboration among stakeholders, helping to share knowledge and drive innovation in credentialing.

LER Accelerator

The LER Accelerator project is supported by a coalition of leading national associations representing various college stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive approach to LER adoption:

• Admissions Operations/Enrollment Management/Records & Registration  – AACRAO
• Information Technology – EDUCAUSE
• Academic/Curricular/Faculty – AAC&U
• Online and Professional Education – UPCEA
• Career Centers and Employers – NACE
• Institutional Research – AIR
• Institutional Leadership – ACE
• Competency-Based Education and Skills – C-BEN
• Technology Standards and Practices – 1EdTech, Digital Credentials Consortium
• Community Colleges – AACC
• Advising – NACADA

Funded by Walmart, the coalition aims to address key challenges to LER adoption and implementation in higher education, such as unclear market demand for skill recognition, high administrative and technical barriers, disparate enterprise data systems, and outdated business models. The Special Collection will serve as a critical tool in overcoming these obstacles, providing stakeholders with the resources they need to facilitate the transition to digital credentials. 

“The LER Accelerator Coalition is excited to partner with the Learn & Work Ecosystem Library. This collaboration is crucial for enhancing our efforts to streamline and support the adoption of learning and employment records across postsecondary education. The Library’s dedication to curating valuable resources and providing open access aligns perfectly with our mission to improve transparency, interoperability, and equity in the learn-and-work ecosystem. Together, we are committed to transforming education and workforce pathways to create an innovative, inclusive environment that empowers learners and enhances their educational and career outcomes.” – Melanie Gottlieb, AACRAO Executive Director, on behalf of the coalition

“The Learn & Work Ecosystem Library is well suited to house these valuable resources from the LER Accelerator Coalition in one easily accessible digital location. We can bring unique value-add to the collection by pulling in other related resources as well, opening the information flow about game changing efforts such as the LER Accelerator to many others working in this area.” – Holly Zanville, Learn & Work Ecosystem Library founder and team lead