Yes - it will provoke debate.
I am currently working on sustainability post April 2003 and one element,
unless there is sustainability funding from DCMS in the Minister's statement
at PLA Conference or earlier, one consideration will have to be direct
charging for use. This is not a policy our Council would wish to pursue but
are left with either that or cutting a bookfund which is already 45% under
funding to achieve the PL Standard.
We have provided our sustainability needs to DCMS in both the last and the
current ALP and have been led to believe that this issue will be addressed
nationally - but no indication as to what level or when.
PN Network funding contract runs out at the end of March 2003 and it is then
the business of each Council, unless there is direct Government
intervention, as to what it does and how it supports/maintains PN.
Colin Campbell
-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Forrest [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 05 September 2002 17:14
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Charging to use the People's Network - can we?
Here's one that might provoke a little debate - do list members know if
there is anything in the People's Network funding contract that stipulates
we cannot charge a fee to recoup the ongoing running costs of providing the
People's Network? E.g. a £2 per hour charge for internet access, for
example?
Seed money to provide terminals is all well and good - but the costs in
terms of providing staff to maintain the service are very high. Are any
library authorities challenging (or planning to challenge) DCMS on this
issue?
I am writing in a personal capacity and my views do not necessarily reflect
those of my employers.
Paul
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