Micro-credentials and Digital Badges

Digital badges, a type of micro-credential, have been heralded for the last five years as a key trend in education to provide competency-based pathways to learning. Micro-credentials allow for a unique way to teach students information literacy skills. Many libraries may be interested in implementing a micro-credentialing program but may have questions about design, mechanics, and sustainability. This report will give readers much of that background information. After reviewing the report, you will be able to

• define micro-credentials and the mechanics of using them;
• identify learning scenarios where micro-credentials can be beneficial;
• acknowledge the design considerations that are specific to badges;
• identify partnerships needed for a successful program;
• know the existing systems possible for building a micro-credentialing program for information literacy or library skills; and
• feel empowered with knowledge to begin building a program.