Issues and developments in ICT provision in libraries David Potts Senior Network Adviser The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council

Agenda People’s Network background People’s Network future

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council The story so far.. The People’s Network 4,200 public libraries providing Internet access to the public 30,000 terminals 60 million hours available every year 2 years old!

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council The People’s Network National mosaic of local networks 90% broadband connectivity Accessible ICT in trusted local venues (libraries) Delivered on time, in budget

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Training 40,000 library staff Training in basic ICT competencies Many chose ECDL Training in use of ICT to support users Using online information Advanced training in use of ICT for online resource management and creation

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Enrich UK NOF digitisation of learning materials Supports informal learning Three broad themes for content: Cultural enrichment Citizenship in a modern state Reskilling the nation All materials accessible via People’s Network and NGfL

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council A landmark programme Unprecedented scale and scope 150 projects (36 consortia, 34 single projects) Broad range of topics, subjects and formats Wide range of organisations involved Estimated output: 2m images, 1000 learning packages, thousands of text and a/v files Technical standards framework received worldwide recognition Portal at

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council The sounds of success.. two years later Continued popularity of People’s Network Changed demographic of library users Raised profile of the library service Increased ICT confidence of library staff Massive increase in online opportunities for library users

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Demand People’s Network very popular: October 2003 survey 11.8M user session 106,000 training sessions 8,000 new jobs obtained 100,000 new learners Increased usage of libraries Changed library demographics Attracted a range of partners nationally Powerful delivery mechanism

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Framework for the Future Challenges for the People’s Network How to use the network?

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Moving forward The need to innovate The need to increase and improve access to online services Focus on delivering services, not just delivering ICT The People’s Network Service WiFi

The People’s Network Service

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council The People’s Network Service Rationale National public-facing presence for public libraries People’s Network moves from project to product Library as the metaphor Available nationally 20,000 People’s Network terminals in England Can be used anywhere

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council People’s Network Service Themes Reading EnquiryDiscovery

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council National online reading group National database of reading groups Reading

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council National 24/7 realtime Enquiry Service Enquiry

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Resource Discovery system Personalised interface Virtual reference shelf ‘Sense of Place’ Community Information E-government Discovery

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Children and Young People Working with key groups to finalise provision Key children’s online projects/groups Experimenting with the technology Innovative ways to engage young people (e.g. games)

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Timescales Enquiry service - public launch March 2005 Full People’s Network Service – August 2005

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council WiFi in public libraries Using wireless technology to extend reach of People’s Network Internet ‘on the pause’ Fast food restaurants, train stations, coffee shops Laptops already being brought in Targeting rural libraries Often only broadband location Existing People’s Network infrastructure Experimenting with new technology DTI, The Countryside Agency

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council The Pilots Hardware for loan PDAs, laptops Different scenarios Inside the library Inside and outside the library 12 months duration

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Summary People’s Network success Organisations willing to invest in libraries if we can respond effectively Libraries seen as innovators The need to keep trying new approaches Contact “I want a future that lives up to my past”

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Questions!