Become a Trainer with Empower: The Library Skills Collective
Empower is looking for inclusive, inspiring library trainers
to join our growing collective. If you're passionate about sharing skills, creating meaningful learning experiences, and shaping the future of library work — we want to hear from you.
Whether you’re an experienced facilitator or new to training, we welcome applications from diverse voices across all parts of the sector.
Why Train with Empower?
At Empower: The Library Skills Collective, we’re not just another CPD provider. We’re a values-led learning community grounded in kindness, inclusion, and real-world relevance. We believe library and information workers deserve training that is:
Practical
People-centred
Ethically grounded
Rooted in wellbeing and equity
But it’s not just about what learners get — it’s about what you gain as a trainer too.
When you become an Empower Trainer, you become part of a collective of brilliant, kind professionals who are passionate about reshaping the future of library work.
What’s in it for you?
Raise your professional profile
Showcase your expertise on a respected platform and get your name in front of individuals, teams, and organisations across the sector.
Get paid fairly
We offer transparent compensation models, with flat fees, per-learner payments, or revenue share, designed to work for freelancers and employed professionals alike.gf
Join a community of values-aligned trainers
Connect with other trainers who care about quality, kindness, and inclusion. Share ideas, get support, and grow together.
Let us take care of the logistics
We handle registrations, tech, admin, invoicing and marketing — so you can focus on designing and delivering your best work.
Flexibility and creative freedom
Design short sessions, full courses, or on-demand content — in your voice and on your terms.
Make a real impact
Your training helps build confidence, skills, and resilience in library staff who are often overlooked or unsupported.
Topics We’re Currently Recruiting For
We’re building a rich, evolving training offer across every aspect of library and information work. Current priority areas include:
Core Library Skills
Cataloguing and metadata
Collection development and management
Information literacy and research support
Reference and enquiry services
Reader development and book promotion
Archives and special collections
Digital Skills & Technology
Digital literacy (supporting users and staff)
Teaching technology to library users
Emerging tech in libraries (e.g. AI, data ethics)
Library systems and tools (e.g. OPACs, discovery layers)
Eresources and digital content promotion
Research Support Tools
Marketing and Social Media
Teaching & Learning
Instructional design and pedagogy
Designing online learning experiences
Outreach to students, faculty, or community learners
Playful Learning
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
Inclusive library services and environments
Antiracism and cultural competence
LGBTQ+ inclusion and gender awareness
Disability inclusion and accessibility
Cultural sensitivity and race/disability awareness
Neurodiversity
Community Engagement & Customer Service
Frontline communication skills
Working with diverse or underserved communities
Customer service and de-escalation
Managing difficult patrons and mental health awareness
Outreach and partnerships
Libraries as safe and welcoming spaces
Marketing and Social Media
Leadership & Management
Team management and supervision
Project and change management
Strategic thinking and innovation
Leading from any level
Coaching and mentoring
Digital Fluency
Wellbeing, Workplace Culture & Burnout
Personal resilience and wellbeing
Supporting mental health at work
Creating kind and psychologically safe cultures
Conflict resolution and boundaries
Ethics, Advocacy & Intellectual Freedom
Data ethics and privacy
Freedom to read and censorship challenges
Advocacy skills and storytelling
Legal essentials (e.g. copyright, FOI)
Professional Development
Continuing professional development (CPD)
Career planning and reflective practice
Skills for new or aspiring library workers
Career advice including interviews
User Experience & Design
Space planning and layout
Signage, displays and merchandising
Designing services around user needs
Accessibility and inclusive UX
Marketing and Social Media
Research Support
Research Data Management (RDM)
Open Research
Open Access (OA)
Bibliometrics & Research Impact
Publishing Support
Researcher Development & Engagement
Systematic Reviews & Evidence Synthesis
Research Support Tools
If your area isn’t listed, but you have something meaningful to share, please still apply. We’re open to bold, relevant ideas that empower library professionals at all levels.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re actively seeking trainers who:
Have professional or lived experience in libraries, archives, or information work
Create engaging, inclusive learning experiences
Reflect the diversity of our profession across race, disability, gender, background and more
Are passionate about practical, accessible training that makes a difference
Align with our values of kindness, empowerment, inclusion, and growth
Whether you want to run live workshops, design on-demand courses, or deliver bite-sized CPD ses sions, there's a place for you here.
Ready to explore what’s possible?
Share your name and email below and we’ll send you everything you need — including more details and our Expression of Interest form.
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