Ka-Ming
I agree totally with your sentiment but i think it's a bit late to do anything about charging for PN, it's being going on for some time now, but what we can do is make sure that the SCL and if it's taking place in London the ALCL hear our objections and that we put pressure on them to put pressure on their members. We can also take it up with the DMCS and ACE, but i'm not sure what good that would do?
I think the answer lies in user power!
Alan Wylie
Librarian
Islington Central Reference Library
2 Fieldway Crescent
N5 1PF
0207 527 6931
[log in to unmask]
www.islington.gov.uk
These are my own opinions and do not reflect those of my employers!
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ka Ming Pang
Sent: 04 July 2012 18:41
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Charging for internet access in libraries
I don't know how many librarians agree with this sentiment
but what I'd like to know is, if a majority of the profession disagrees with this kind of development, what can we possibly do to stop it?
where do we put our voice, so that those in charge are forced to listen and take notice?
How do we influence those with the power?
Those who make the decisions which are drastically changing library service delivery remain faceless and nameless, and unaccountable. Or at least that's how it feels.
Ka-Ming
On Wed, Jul 4, 2012 at 10:38 AM, Graham, Sarah (Records Management) <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Couldn't agree more with Ka-Ming's sentiments - it will make it tougher on those who are already struggling if we start charging for internet usage.
Sarah Graham
UK Online Project Officer
Newcastle Libraries
Adult and Culture Services Directorate
City Library
Charles Avison Building
33 New Bridge Street West
Newcastle upon Tyne.
NE1 8AX
e-mail [log in to unmask]
Tel: 0191 277 4115
Fax : 0191 277 4137
Web www.newcastle.gov.uk/libraries
I am currently reading "On Beulah Height" by Reginald Hill and "Greek Gods and Heroes" by Robert Graves.
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Wylie, Alan
Sent: 04 July 2012 10:02
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Charging for internet access in libraries
I second that, very well put Ka-Ming.
the other linked issue is that off volunteer and charity run libraries, if that's not a breach of the 'trade descriptions act', introducing premium memberships!
Alan Wylie
Librarian
Islington Central Reference Library
2 Fieldway Crescent
N5 1PF
0207 527 6931
[log in to unmask]
www.islington.gov.uk
These are my own views and not those of my employers.
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Toni Franck
Sent: 04 July 2012 09:22
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Charging for internet access in libraries
Precisely. On the nail, Ka-Ming.
Sincerely, Toni
-----Original Message-----
From: Ka Ming Pang <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Mon, 2 Jul 2012 14:31
Subject: Re: Charging for internet access in libraries
Hey
When you consider the original remit of the People's Network, which was to help bridge the digital divide, and enable access for all. This kind of development is disappointing.
I strongly believe that the core of what libraries should do is to provide access to information for all. We don't charge for books, we shouldn't charge for the internet, the web is the place where people find jobs, hand in CV's find out how much their tax bill is, connect with people, get knowledge.
Like Ian says, in this current climate where people are losing jobs, this will only serve to make it tougher for people on the lower end of the social scale.
Ka-Ming
On Mon, Jul 2, 2012 at 1:48 PM, Ian Clark <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
I see this morning that Barking libraries have now introduced a charging policy for use of the internet based on an annual subscription model. I queried this with the library and was told that the service will remain free for those under 20 and those over 60. As far as I am aware there are no further concessions offered.
I know a number of other services provide internet access on payment of a fee (it's certainly not a new idea), but I do wonder how many offer concessions for the unemployed? In the current climate, shouldn't libraries be supporting those who cannot afford the access the rest of us take for granted more than ever? Do any of the library authorities who do charge consider any support for those who are unemployed? Unemployment is sure to continue to grow for at least the foreseeable future and, as the regular ONS figures demonstrate, many people who do not have an internet connection at home are in that position because they simply cannot afford it (I suspect many in Barking). I know some will argue that the fees are minimal, but for many people such fees are not exactly an incentive. £12/£25 per year does not sound a lot, but some of us do not have the pressures that others also have to deal with.
I wholeheartedly agree with Phil Bradley's post on this matter http://bit.ly/OYOZfw. This sort of policy places barriers in the way of those that need the service the most, it hinders not helps, discourages rather than welcomes, it is simply wrong.
Ian Clark
Library Systems Officer,
Augustine House,
Canterbury Christ Church University
Email: [log in to unmask]
Tel. 01227 767700 ext 3141
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