Developing an English course for in-service librarians : the advantages of blended learning

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to describe the design and delivery of an English language course aimed for in‐service librarians and to report about the effects of the blended delivery mode on the learning experience. Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes the broader context in which the course was developed, its goals, the way it was planned and delivered in a blended mode, the participants' perception at the end of the course and after one year and the Learning Management System which was used (Moodle). Findings – Blended learning in workplace instruction is very fruitful, especially when applied to language learning, as it allows one to establish a collaborative environment and to stretch the learning experience over a longer time, at the same time limiting the absence from work. This involvement is possible only when the topics are close to the participants' professional interests and the teacher stimulates collaboration. Practical implications – The course model could build up the basis for a continuous workplace instruction, especially in the academic environment where e‐learning tools are already available. Originality/value – There is not much literature on teaching English to librarians. Though based on some wider reading, most of the considerations come from the experience of the teacher, a librarian with a language teaching background, and therefore are based heavily on real situations. It could be useful to any organisations who are thinking of starting an in‐service blended learning experience.