Up until a few years ago, supporting on-demand learning was not something learning and development (L&D) functions had to worry about too much. L&D traditionally was more accustomed to designing, developing and delivering content. However, the modern learning organization is less concerned with formal learning - and is more concerned with "where" performance happens and making sure that employees have the resources available to do their work.

As a result, new roles for L&D as "enablers and facilitators" of learning have emerged. This is especially important because first-line managers and supervisors know they need to keep their employees informed on industry advances and trends, but they simply cannot do that with constant change and the expectations of employees to have everything at their fingertips.