Educational materials


These works are licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Join for free! Earn a certificate upon completion if you meet the minimum score requirement.

  1. Training materials from our courses
    1. How to register?
    2. Digital Citizenship
    3. Digital Content Creation
    4. Emerging Digital Technologies
    5. Research Data Management
    6. Learning, Teaching, Research Support
    7. User-Oriented Design
    8. Systematic approach to searching-Part 1
    9. Systematic searching–Part 2
  2. Educational materials outside our courses
    1. Inclusive Library Service Delivery (NIAGARA Online Seminar Series)
    2. The Role of Digital Literacy in Advancing Agricultural Education (NIAGARA Online Seminar Series)
    3. Searching for Research Data
    4. Gaming Digital Literacy: Inclusive Approaches with Twine in Library Contexts (NIAGARA Online Seminar Series)
    5. “It’s such a blackbox function”: Norwegian academic librarians’ ambivalent perceptions towards AI use in academic libraries and academia (NIAGARA Online Seminar Series)
    6. The Library as Connector: Facilitating Learning, Participation, and Digital Confidence (NIAGARA Online Seminar Series)
  3. Educational materials on inclusive library services
    1. Module 1: Disability Awareness
    2. Module 2: Disability Law and Policies in Libraries
    3. Module 3: Creating an Accessible and Inclusive Library
    4. Module 4: Assistive Technology in Libraries
    5. Module 5: User Centred Design in Libraries
    6. Recommended Reading

Training materials from our courses

How to register?

  1. Open an internet browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari).
  2. Type moocs.udsm.ac.tz into the address bar (URL) and press Enter.
  3. Click the Log in button at the top-right corner of the page.
  4. In the login window, click Create a New Account.
  5. Fill in the required information, then click the Create My New Account button at the bottom.
  6. Note: The account confirmation details will be sent to the email address you provided during registration.
  7. Open your email inbox and confirm your account by clicking the verification link sent to your email.
  8. Scroll down on the home page of the platform to find all NIAGARA-courses and enrol in the courses you find interesting. 

Digital Citizenship

Course description: “This course is designed to provide in-service librarians and library and information science (LIS) students with the knowledge, skills, and competence to promote and teach digital citizenship, netiquette, and the management of digital identities within the library environments.”

Selected materials from the course: https://niagaragrant.com/2025/04/08/digital-citizenship/

Free course. Certificate available after successful completion.


Digital Content Creation

Course description: “In this course on Digital content creation you will learn more about Digital content planning, digital content creation strategies, how to disseminate digital content, and legal, ethical and professional aspects in digital content creation. Target groups are in-service library staff and Library and Information Science Students.”

Selected materials from the course: https://niagaragrant.com/2025/04/08/digital-content-creation/

Free course. Certificate available after successful completion.


Emerging Digital Technologies

Course description: “The course is designed to provide Library and Information Students and Inservice Librarians with knowledge on emerging technologies and their potential impact on information access, dissemination, and management in various settings, including libraries, archives, and information centers. Students will gain a comprehensive overview of these cutting-edge technologies, their practical applications, and the challenges and opportunities they present in the context of information management.”

Selected materials from the course: https://niagaragrant.com/2025/04/08/emerging-digital-technologies/

Free course. Certificate available after successful completion.


Research Data Management

Course description: “The “Research Data Management” course is designed for librarians, library and information science (postgraduate) students, and researchers to enhance their understanding and skills in managing research data. The participants will explore and learn about various aspects of research data.”

Selected materials from the course: https://niagaragrant.com/2025/04/08/research-data-management/

Free course. Certificate available after successful completion.


Learning, Teaching, Research Support

Course description: “The “Learning, Teaching, and Research Support” (LTR) course is designed for a diverse group of learners, including LIS students and in-service librarians. Learning, Teaching, and Research (LTR) support refers to the specialized role librarians play in integrating library services, resources, and expertise directly into academic courses, research projects, or institutional frameworks. This approach moves beyond traditional library services by embedding librarians into the learning and research environments of faculty and students.”

Selected materials from the course: https://niagaragrant.com/2025/04/08/learning-teaching-research-support/

Free course. Certificate available after successful completion.


User-Oriented Design

Course description: “The “User-oriented design” course is designed for librarians and LIS students to enhance their understanding and skills about user-oriented design in general as well as principles, methods and techniques for inclusive design.”

Selected materials from the course: https://niagaragrant.com/2025/04/08/user-oriented-design/

Free course. Certificate available after successful completion.


Systematic approach to searching-Part 1

Course description: “If you want to sharpen your searching skills, and learn more about the steps included in a systematic approach to searching, this course is for you. The course is on a basic level but we expect you to have some experience in searching as this is a core skill introduced in LIS education and much needed when interacting with students and faculty in libraries.”

Selected materials from the course: https://niagaragrant.com/2025/04/24/systematic-approach-to-searching-part-1/

Free course. Certificate available after successful completion.


Systematic searching–Part 2

Course description: “Systematic searching Part 2: Knowledge synthesis – the librarian’s role is an avanced course targeting Library and Information Science students at MA-level and librarians in academic libraries wanting to be able to provide research support for systematic reviews, particularly the steps related to information sources and searching.”

Selected materials from the course: https://niagaragrant.com/2025/04/24/systematic-searching-part-2/

Free course. Certificate available after successful completion.


Educational materials outside our courses

Inclusive Library Service Delivery (NIAGARA Online Seminar Series)
The Role of Digital Literacy in Advancing Agricultural Education (NIAGARA Online Seminar Series)
Searching for Research Data
Gaming Digital Literacy: Inclusive Approaches with Twine in Library Contexts (NIAGARA Online Seminar Series)
“It’s such a blackbox function”: Norwegian academic librarians’ ambivalent perceptions towards AI use in academic libraries and academia (NIAGARA Online Seminar Series)
The Library as Connector: Facilitating Learning, Participation, and Digital Confidence (NIAGARA Online Seminar Series)

Educational materials on inclusive library services

Module 1: Disability Awareness

“The Disability Awareness in Libraries module is all about helping library professionals understand how crucial it is to build inclusive and accessible environments for patrons with disabilities. In this module, participants will explore disability laws and policies, pick up strategies to boost accessibility and inclusion, and sharpen their skills to provide top-notch service to patrons with diverse needs. By cultivating a culture of awareness and understanding, library professionals can make sure that every patron feels valued, respected, and supported, which in turn enhances the overall library experience for everyone.” 

See full material at: https://niagaragrant.com/2025/07/03/modules-1-5-on-inclusive-library-services/


Module 2: Disability Law and Policies in Libraries

“Disability is a normal aspect of the human experience, and it’s essential for libraries to recognize and support the needs of people with disabilities. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) defines individuals with disabilities as “those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others” (Article 1, CRPD). This module aims to enhance our understanding and sensitivity towards disabilities, enabling us to effectively discuss and plan library services that cater to everyone. It’s important to keep in mind that disability is simply a part of what it means to be human.” 

See full material at: https://niagaragrant.com/2025/07/03/modules-1-5-on-inclusive-library-services/


Module 3: Creating an Accessible and Inclusive Library

“Establishing an accessible and inclusive library is essential to ensure that every user has equal access to information and services. Libraries are instrumental in advancing literacy, supporting lifelong learning, and fostering community involvement, making it vital that they are open to all, no matter their abilities. In this module, we’ll examine the importance of accessibility and inclusion in libraries, discuss effective strategies for creating inclusive environments, and share practical tips for putting accessibility and inclusion initiatives into action.” 

See full material at: https://niagaragrant.com/2025/07/03/modules-1-5-on-inclusive-library-services/


Module 4: Assistive Technology in Libraries

“This Assistive Technology module is meant to empower library professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to provide inclusive and accessible services for patrons with disabilities. Participants will take a thorough look at various assistive technologies, including those for visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive support, allowing them to understand how these tools can enhance the user experience and promote equal access to information. By the end of the module, library professionals will be well prepared to assess the needs of patrons with disabilities, choose and implement the right assistive technologies, and offer effective support and training to both patrons and staff, ultimately creating a more inclusive and welcoming library space.” 

See full material at: https://niagaragrant.com/2025/07/03/modules-1-5-on-inclusive-library-services/


Module 5: User Centred Design in Libraries

“Welcome to this course introducing user-oriented design. This course is on a basic level and no previous knowledge on the topic is required. We expect you to have basic computer skills. The “User-oriented design” course is designed for librarians and LIS students to enhance their understanding and skills about user-centered design. Over approximately 10 hours, participants will explore and learn about principles of usercentered design in the context of libraries’ activities.” 

See full material at: https://niagaragrant.com/2025/07/03/modules-1-5-on-inclusive-library-services/


  • Darvishy, A., Eröcal, D., & Manning, J. (2019). Delivering together for inclusive development: digital access to Information and knowledge for persons with disabilities. UNESCO Publishing. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/228082043.pdf
  • Kulikauskienė, K., & Liukinevičienė, L. (2020). The theoretical model of an inclusive library for people with disabilities and its practical implementation. Izzivi prihodnosti, 2, 79-101. https://doi.org/10.37886/ip.2020.005
  • Schulze, F., & Berget, G. (2024). Inclusive public libraries: How to adequately identify accessibility barriers?. In Universal Design 2024: Shaping a Sustainable, Equitable and Resilient Future for All. Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Universal Design (UD2024), Oslo, Norway, 20-22 November 2024. IOS Press. doi:10.3233/SHTI240995
  • Sherman, M. (2022). Accessibility in Libraries: A Landscape Review. https://www.ala.org/sites/default/files/tools/content/230317-ppo-ltc-access-landscape-review-UPDATE.pdf