WebJunction
WebJunction is a free online professional development platform for public library staff, operated by OCLC, offering self-paced courses, webinars, and resources on AI literacy, digital collections, community programming, and library operations across the U.S. and select international markets.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersSeattle, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
What WebJunction does
WebJunction is a free, online professional development platform for public library staff, operated as a division of OCLC, Inc. — a nonprofit global library cooperative headquartered in Dublin, Ohio. The platform delivers self-paced courses via its learning management system at learn.webjunction.org, supplemented by a content and webinar hub at webjunction.org, covering topics such as technology planning, digital literacy, AI in libraries, children's programming, community outreach, de-escalation, and digital collections stewardship. Signature offerings include the Library Foundational Training (LiFT) series, Supercharged Storytimes, Digital Collections Stewardship, the Euphorigen Investigation misinformation escape room (co-developed with the University of Washington Information School), and the Small Libraries Create Smart Spaces program.
The underlying technology is a web-based learning management system (learn.webjunction.org) hosting a course catalog alongside a content management platform (webjunction.org) for articles, project resources, and a webinar calendar; webinar delivery relies on Zoom, Cisco Webex, and Miro, with recordings stored in Microsoft OneDrive. OCLC holds ISO 27001 certification and commits to WCAG 2.2 Level AA accessibility, which WebJunction inherits. The platform is currently developing or has limited APIs for content access. Content is co-produced with research institutions (University of Washington Center for an Informed Public), federal funders (IMLS), and library associations (ARSL, Urban Libraries Council, IREX).
WebJunction operates as a freemium, community-led platform with no user fees. All services are free to individual library staff, funded by OCLC's organizational resources and grants from IMLS, state library agencies, and partner organizations. Distribution is entirely self-serve (global, digital) and supplemented by referral partnerships with state library agencies. There is no commercial sales motion, no pricing tiers, and no disclosed revenue; growth is driven by content expansion, strategic partnerships, and grant-funded projects.
WebJunction firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- WebJunction
- Legal name
- WebJunction, a division of OCLC, Inc.
- Website
- https://webjunction.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- WebJunction is a free online professional development platform for public library staff, operated by OCLC, offering self-paced courses, webinars, and resources on AI literacy, digital collections, community programming, and library operations across the U.S. and select international markets.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
WebJunction industry classification
Industry- NAICS
- Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (519), Libraries and Archives (51921)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Online Learning Content & Course Publishing Platforms (BPAMAJAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Microlearning Content Libraries (Bite-Sized Lessons) (EDAFACAI), Online Public Speaking & Debate Programs (Live/Recorded) (EDAMAOAD)
Keywords
Where WebJunction is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Seattle
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
WebJunction business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
Revenue model
- Free Platform Services: WebJunction provides all services free of charge to individual library staff users. The platform is funded through OCLC's organizational resources and grants from supporting organizations including IMLS and state library agencies.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Monthly | Free individual user access |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
WebJunction product offering
Product offeringCore offering
WebJunction is a free online learning platform for public library staff, operated by OCLC. It delivers self-paced courses, live and recorded webinars, articles, and curated resource hubs covering technology planning, digital literacy, AI, children's programming, community outreach, staff management, and misinformation. Programming is funded by OCLC, IMLS grants, and state library agencies, and is created in collaboration with research institutions such as the University of Washington.
Product overview
WebJunction is a comprehensive online learning platform for libraries operated by OCLC, offering free professional development resources including a course catalog (learn.webjunction.org), live and recorded webinars, and various training programs. The platform's core offerings include the Course Catalog hosting courses like Library Foundational Training (LiFT), Supercharged Storytimes, and Digital Collections Stewardship; Webinars covering technology, programming, and library topics; and specialized programs such as The Euphorigen Investigation (misinformation escape room) and Small Libraries Create Smart Spaces. WebJunction also publishes the Crossroads newsletter and maintains topic areas covering Library Service, Management, Staff Training & Development, and Technology including AI content for libraries.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Quantifiable outcome
- Collaborative bridgebuilding project with IREX and Urban Libraries Council resulting in free on-demand course
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use WebJunction
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
WebJunction technology and API
TechnologyAPI detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
AI capability7 records
WebJunction partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.
- University of Washington Center for an Informed Public (CIP)coreCollaboration on Empowering Informed Communities (EIC) project providing research-based media and information literacy resources for public libraries. WebJunction helps refine resources and produce professional development webinars based on CIP research.
- OCLC, Inc.coreWebJunction is a division of OCLC, Inc. OCLC provides organizational infrastructure, governance, and funding for WebJunction operations. OCLC also shares privacy policies and terms of service for WebJunction services.
- IREXcorePartnered with OCLC's WebJunction and Urban Libraries Council on a year-long bridgebuilding project resulting in free on-demand course 'An Introduction to Bridgebuilding: Creating a Library Where Everyone Belongs'.
- Urban Libraries CouncilcorePartnered with IREX and OCLC's WebJunction on bridgebuilding project for public libraries to strengthen community trust and connection.
- Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL)majorImplementation partner for Small Libraries Create Smart Spaces program, providing expertise on small and rural library needs and helping recruit participating libraries.
- Project for Public SpacesmajorImplementation partner for Small Libraries Create Smart Spaces, contributing expertise in public space design and community engagement methodology.
- State Library AgenciesmajorSupporting organizations that receive limited personal data from WebJunction for purposes of reporting on library professional development. State libraries help distribute WebJunction resources to library staff in their jurisdictions.
- University of Washington Information SchoolcoreCollaborated on Euphorigen Investigation misinformation escape room project. Faculty including Dr. Jin Ha Lee and Chris Coward developed the game. WebJunction hosts webinars and promotes the resource to libraries.
- Puzzle BreakmajorEscape room game design partner led by Lindsey Morse (Chief Creative Officer) that created engaging puzzle mechanics for the Euphorigen Investigation misinformation game.
- News Literacy ProjectmajorPartnered with WebJunction and Queens Public Library to deliver webinar on verifying online content. NLP provides education resources on news literacy for library programming.
- TechSoup for LibrariesmajorCollaborated on free webinar series focused on Libraries and Social Media, including survey research on library social media usage patterns.
Scale indicators1 record
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
WebJunction competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Califa Library Group: California-based library consortium offering training and shared digital content services to member libraries. Comparable regional peer in providing state-funded professional development to library staff.
- InfOhio: Ohio statewide library/information network providing online professional development and digital content to Ohio library staff — a regional peer operating in the same vertical with a similar free, state-funded model.
Direct peers
- Niche Academy: SaaS training platform purpose-built for public libraries, offering tutorial and course hosting with patron and staff-facing capabilities. Direct overlap with WebJunction in serving library staff professional development via online courses.
- TechSoup: Nonprofit providing discounted technology products, training, and resources to libraries and other nonprofits. Already an established WebJunction collaborator; competes for the same grant-funded library training budget and audience.
- Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL): National association dedicated to rural and small libraries, providing training, conferences, and resources. A current WebJunction implementation partner that also delivers competing continuing education in the same niche.
- Public Library Association (PLA): Division of the American Library Association serving public libraries, offering continuing education, training, and initiatives like Project Outcome. Closest peer in mission, audience, and programming.
- LYRASIS: Nonprofit library consortium providing technology, content, and training services to member libraries. Operates a parallel mission to WebJunction in delivering shared learning and digital infrastructure for the library sector.
Broad incumbents
- Library Journal: Leading library trade publication that also produces CE courses, webinars, and professional development content for librarians, overlapping with WebJunction's webinar programming.
- American Library Association (ALA): Largest US library professional association, offering a broad portfolio of conferences, certifications, e-learning, and publications that overlap with WebJunction's professional development catalog.
Emerging players
- San José State University iSchool: Leading US library/information science school offering MLIS programs, certificates, and CE courses for librarians. Overlaps with WebJunction's audience in formal library science continuing education.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
WebJunction social profiles
Digital presenceWebJunction compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
WebJunction financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
WebJunction leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
WebJunction funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
WebJunction M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about WebJunction
What does WebJunction do?
WebJunction is a free online learning platform for public library staff, operated by OCLC. It delivers self-paced courses, live and recorded webinars, articles, and curated resource hubs covering technology planning, digital literacy, AI, children's programming, community outreach, staff management, and misinformation. Programming is funded by OCLC, IMLS grants, and state library agencies, and is created in collaboration with research institutions such as the University of Washington.
Is WebJunction a public or private company?
WebJunction is a private company. It is currently operating.
When was WebJunction founded?
WebJunction was founded in 2003. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is WebJunction based?
WebJunction is headquartered in Seattle, United States, in the North America region.
How does WebJunction make money?
One revenue line is on record: free Platform Services.
Who are WebJunction's main competitors?
Regional players on record are Califa Library Group and InfOhio. Direct peers are Niche Academy, TechSoup, Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL), Public Library Association (PLA) and LYRASIS. Broad incumbents are Library Journal and American Library Association (ALA). San José State University iSchool is listed as an emerging player.
Does WebJunction have an API?
Yes. WebJunction Services may include the right to access Content via WebJunction's application programming interfaces ('APIs') or other similar tools. The Terms state that if APIs are released, the Terms will be updated to reflect these new WebJunction Services. Content contributed by users can be accessed via these APIs in the future. The current API status appears to be in development or limited availability. Developer documentation is at learn.webjunction.org.
What industry is WebJunction in?
Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAMAJAL, Online Learning Content & Course Publishing Platforms, with a secondary code of EDAFACAI, Microlearning Content Libraries (Bite-Sized Lessons). Its NAICS code is 519 and its SIC code is 8200.