Investigation of partnership models between libraries and cable based
telecommunications providers
The Library and Information Commission (LIC) and Cable Communications
Association (CCA) have jointly commissioned a study to explore factors in
successful partnerships between cable providers and libraries. Vision
Research Consortium (VRC) has been appointed to conduct the work.
The potential of information and communications technologies (ICT) in
general, and cable communications in particular, to facilitate the
transmission of high quality content and services to users in education
(including continuing education and lifelong learning), and other sections
of the community is very strong. A range of local and national agencies -
in the private and public sectors - is already exploring this potential in
UK, elsewhere in Europe, North America and South East Asia. Key issues
within the context of partnership models include:
Infrastructure and access
Cross-sectoral co-operation and management structures
Government Initiatives
Library and Information Service (LIS) sector developments
Content availability and creation
The Cable Industry
Rights
VRC is fielding a team which includes knowledge in depth of public library,
cable and telecommunications issues, expertise in education, information
technology and other cross-sectoral aspects of LIS, and extensive foreign
experience in the information and education sectors likely to be most
relevant to the study.
Education for Change Limited (EfC), and London and South Eastern Library
Region (LASER) are the 'core' organisations forming VRC. Robert Davies is
the Project Manager and consultants working on the study include David
Fuegi, Frances Hendrix and Peter Smith. The team also includes three
'geographic' research teams based in:
Germany, covering Northern Continental European countries
USA, covering North America
Australia, covering developments in Asia/Pacific
Because of the cross-sectoral nature of the work, a UK Advisory Committee
has been formed to ensure that all relevant special and technical factors
are considered. The Committee will include a university librarian, a
public librarian, a senior executive working in the cable industry, a
representative of the voluntary sector and one from the health sector. Its
members include:
Tudfil Adams, Powys Public Libraries
John Brown, Director of Lifelong Learning, BECTa ,
Allan Foster, Director of Information Services, Keele University ,
Veronica Fraser, Libraries and Information Adviser at the Department of
Health
Mark Humphrey, Cambridge Cable Group/NTL
Mick Kahn, University of London Computing Centre, Director London
Metropolitan Area Network.
Research Outputs
A Literature Review report synthesising the 4 geographical Literature
Review papers including an account of cable industry issues in key
jurisdictions and recommendations for case studies.
4 or 5 in depth case studies from different sectors.
A final report synthesising the lessons from the case studies and
describing the legal, financial and cable industry framework in which the
case study partners operate, key issues for success and issues to be
resolved before entering such partnerships and a plan of action for the UK
suggesting an organisational framework for progress in this area together
with a prioritised plan of action.
A seminar to publicise the report and discuss its recommendations.
As the study proceeds, findings will be made available via the project Web
pages.
For further information please contact:
Rob Davies
LIC/CCA Study Manager,
Education for Change Ltd'
United House
North Road
London N7 9DP
Tel 0171 697 8881
Fax 0171 698 8883
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
www.librariesandcable.co.uk/
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