Are Short Courses Just Overpriced Book Summaries? Why Not Build a Business Library Instead?

Short courses are everywhere. They promise new skills, career advancement, and expertise often in just a few hours or days. But let’s be honest: too many of these courses are little more than expensive summaries of books you could buy for ￡10.

If the end result is just proving you’ve read (or skimmed) a book, why not skip the course and go straight to the source? Even better why not create a company knowledge library so everyone benefits?

The Problem with Many Short Courses

1. Information Over Application

• Many short courses focus on delivering information rather than practical application.
• You sit through slides, watch videos, and take a quiza€”but how much of it actually changes the way you work?

2. Paying for Convenience, Not Depth

• A book gives you deep insight from an expert at a fraction of the cost.
• Short courses often condense information into easy-to-digest chunks, but at a steep price.

3. Certificates Over Competence

• Many people take short courses just to get a certificate for their LinkedIn profile.
• But does having a certificate mean you can apply what you’ve learned?

4. Repackaging What’s Already Available

• Many courses are simply repackaged versions of books, podcasts, and articles often taught by people who aren’t even the original thought leaders.

Why Not Build a Business Library Instead?

Rather than spending thousands on short courses, why not create a business knowledge library?

• Buy Reference Books for the Team - Instead of paying for expensive training on standards like ISO 55001, why not purchase the book and make it available to your team? It’s a reference piece not something that needs an overpriced course to understand.

• Encourage Knowledge Sharing - Set up a system where employees can borrow books, write summaries, and host discussions to apply what they’ve learned.

• Create a Learning Culture, Not a Certificate Culture - A well-curated library gives employees the tools they need to self-develop, rather than just collecting badges from courses.

Digital Access for Remote Teams - Use tools like Kindle for Business, Google Drive, or an internal Wiki to create a shared learning hub.

When a Course is Actually Worth It

Not all short courses are bad - some provide real hands-on experience. Here’s when it makes sense to invest:

• Practical Application: If the course includes real-world exercises, case studies, or coaching.
• Expert Interaction: If you get access to industry leaders, not just a video series.
• Certification That Matters: If the certificate is genuinely recognized in your industry.
• Networking Opportunities: If the course connects you with like-minded professionals.

Final Thought: Invest in Learning, Not Just a Certificate

If you’re taking a short course just to prove you’ve read a book, you’re probably wasting money. Instead, build a business library, share knowledge, and apply what you learn you’ll save thousands while creating a smarter, more self-sufficient workforce.

What do you think? Have you ever taken a short course that was just a glorified book summary? Or does your company have a knowledge-sharing system? Let’s discuss!