Washington State Librarian Rand Simmons discusses the IT Academy partnership between Microsoft and the State Library during a launch event in Bellevue.

Washington residents needing to learn new information technology skills for their current job, a new career or just wanting to add some skills for personal enrichment can do so through their local library thanks to a new partnership just announced between the Washington State Library and Microsoft.

The State Library and the Redmond-based software giant have paired up to soon bring Microsoft’s IT Academy online training to Washingtonians, for free, to nearly 400 libraries across the state.

Go here to see the list of libraries registered to take part in the IT Academy.  These libraries are preparing to offer IT Academy training in the coming months if they don’t already offer these services.  And here is a FAQ document on the training program.

The IT Academy program will offer training to participating Washington residents to help prepare them for jobs and careers in a global economy that is becoming more tech-dependent.

Washington residents will be able to access 250 courses through their local public, community and technical college, and tribal libraries. Courses are offered on three basic levels: digital literacy, for those who need basic skills such as using a mouse or sending emails; e-learning courses that support Microsoft Office suites; and courses leading to professional technology certifications. Certification is available but at cost to the participant.

Kalama High School sophomore Brady Harmon talks about the virtues of the IT Academy as business and technology teacher Kathy Schmit and KHS  junior James Willman listen.

Washington began offering the IT Academy in Washington public schools statewide in September 2011. More than 16,000 certifications have been earned by Washington public school students and teachers since the program began, including nearly 11,600 in the 2012-13 school year.

Secretary of State Kim Wyman said the new collaboration between the State Library and Microsoft reflects a tech-savvy, forward-thinking Washington State Library helping local libraries better serve people in their communities. Said Wyman:

“This is another way for the State Library to provide meaningful services that really benefit people throughout Washington. We’re excited that so many libraries are our partners with the IT Academy. The winners will be people in almost every community in our state who take advantage of this great training opportunity.”

State Librarian Rand Simmons said libraries are an obvious place for Washingtonians to receive IT Academy training:

“Libraries have been in the life-long learning business for a long time, so they are a natural fit for the IT Academy’s training program. People are used to coming to their libraries for assistance. It makes perfect sense to have libraries host this training program that will help make many more Washingtonians IT-literate.”

The IT Academy program included media launch events in Bellevue Tuesday and Spokane Wednesday.