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Press Release
From:Library and Information Commission
2 Sheraton Street, London, W1V 4BH
0171 411 0059
16 April 1998
The Government Backs Plans for the New Public Library Network
The Prime Minister published on the Internet today a strategy to
enable Britain to increase its prosperity and quality of life in the
Information Age. A key element is the Government's plan to invest in
an IT-based public library network. Almost all public libraries will
be connected to the National Grid for Learning by the year 2002. The
Government's announcement is in line with the Library and Information
Commission's vision set out in its report for the Department for
Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), New Library: The People's Network.
The Library and Information Commission (LIC) welcomes the Government's
approach, particularly its recognition of the wider role libraries can
play in supporting learning and enabling people to participate in the
Information Society. Libraries will provide accessible information
services for citizens and businesses throughout the UK. They will
provide access to the Internet, training for novice users of
information and communications technology and will develop the
resources people need in their learning activities.
Matthew Evans, Chairman of the Library and Information Commission
said:
`I am delighted that the real contribution that libraries can make to
the quality of life for individuals, communities and businesses has
been recognised. As a way to enhance learning, democratic
participation and economic advancement in the Information Age, the new
library, and the new librarian, has a key role to play'
The Library and Information Commission welcomes its new role in
developing an implementation strategy for a revitalised public library
service. Work is already underway to establish the Public Libraries
Implementation Committee, which will be chaired by Matthew Evans. The
Committee will ensure that a clear direction is maintained.
The LIC is well placed to advise the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) on
priorities for the creation of new electronic resources. Bids for the
NOF will come from the libraries, museums and education sectors. The
LIC will ensure that its recommendations reflect the priorities of
each sector. It will also co-ordinate the library sector's interests
in IT training, working closely with the Teacher Training Authority
(TTA).
Adequate funding must be made available, if success is to be achieved
in such a short time. The LIC welcomes the Government's commitment to
tackle the problem of the cost of the libraries network by developing
partnerships and new funding arrangements. OFTEL and the
telecommunications industry and local authorities have much to
contribute in achieving the vision. A continued strong steer from
Government will be essential if rapid progress is to be made.
The next few months will see the emergence of a plan for action that
will radically improve the quality of library services. It will open
the library up to the public in ways that are innovative, imaginative
and which will make a real difference to the lives of the people and
businesses that are the heart of the community.
New Library: The People's Network was published in October 1997. It is
available from the Library and Information Commission (0171 411 0059)
or at www.ukoln.ac.uk/services/lic/newlibrary. The LIC was
established in 1995 by DCMS to be a national focus of expertise in the
field of library and information services.
The Government's response can be found on the DCMS web site. The Prime
Minister's announcement, Our Information Age, is available on the
No.10 web site
Press Enquiries:
Margaret Haines, Chief Executive:
0171 411 0058 or 0171 411 0059
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