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****Apologies for cross-posting***** PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The EARL Consortium for Public Library Networking makes way for the People's Network and Regional Initiatives On 18 July, the EARL Management Board met to consider the results of a consultation exercise concerning the future of EARL. The Board and Partnership has had to draw far-reaching conclusions, not only on the future of EARL itself, but also regarding the relevance and role of an independent national public library agency vis-à-vis the emerging regional agenda. After considering all of these factors, the EARL Management Board has voted to wind up EARL and its exemplar services as of 30 September 2001, in recognition of the increasing responsibilities and development public libraries are taking on at the local and regional level. The EARL Consortium for Public Library Networking, which began as Project EARL (Electronic Access to Resources in Libraries) revolutionized the public library landscape by offering public libraries a web presence, as well as models for national networked services. Since autumn 1995, EARL's library partners have grown from six to over 160 with support from Strategic Partners including the Library Association, the UK Office for Library and Information Networking, the British Library, the Open University, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and the Department for Education and Employment. During its short existence, EARL has undertaken many activities to support its Partners during the preparations for the implementation of the People's Network. Through such exemplar services as Ask a Librarian, Familia, MagNet, and Euroguide, EARL has consistently provided models for content development and partnership at the national level. In reaching this decision, the Board acknowledges that EARL's original aims and objectives are now being carried forward by major national initiatives, such as the People's Network and Modernising Government, as well as through the development of regional agencies and services. According to Colin Campbell, EARL Management Board Chair, Public libraries have never had a higher profile than they do now, especially through the government's initiative, the People's Network. EARL itself has contributed to this profile, by providing models for collaboration on networked services, as well as making sure that libraries are aware of the technological opportunities for enhancing their local and regional services. By taking this vote, the Board acknowledges the amount of energy, staff, resources, and time public libraries are having to devote to Modernising Government and the local authority agenda, to the regional agenda, and to the rollout of the People's Network. However, the Board is confident that within the next few years, a public library co-operation at the national level will be a priority, with increasing impetus for cross-regional collaboration. The models for such collaboration that EARL has provided will be there for a new organisation to build upon. Frances Hendrix, former Director of LASER, adds: When LASER launched EARL in 1995, it was to get networking and networked services onto the public library agenda. These were early days, and so much has changed and developed. Earl didn't quite work out the way we intended, but its achievements have been enormous, and it has, in some respects, gone beyond those original expectations. The disappointment has been the failure to establish flourishing networked services, but then I always expect too much. However, the list of Earl achievements is long and substantial, and it has attained recognition in the UK and beyond, and has gained support for all sectors of the library community. Some of its work, including advocacy, awareness, policy advice etc., has been invaluable and exceptional. But nothing lasts forever, and it was not the intention that it should. Surely its success is in the work started by the Library and Information Commission, Matthew Evans in particular, and the People's Network. There are very many people to thank, not least that brave small group of libraries who funded Earl from the very beginning; Peter Stone, whose vision and ideas made it all possible; the Chairs of the two main Committees, Colin Campbell and Viv Griffiths; Geoffrey Hare; David Ruse; Chris Batt; our Board members, including our Home Countries representatives, especially Robert Craig and John Woods; the Task Group Chairs and members; and of course the amazing band of superb young library professionals who have worked for Earl over the years, all credits to the profession. END ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes for Editors from EARL 1. EARL is the preferred name for The EARL (Electronic Access to Resources in Libraries) Consortium for Public Library Networking. For six years, EARL has provided public libraries with such successful national networked services as Ask A Librarian, Familia, EuroGuide, Magnet, among others. In addition, it gave public libraries a higher technical profile, through advocacy and research, and by offering guidance and support through the Networked Services issue papers and a series of events. 2. Further information may be obtained from Linda Berube, Research and Development Co-ordinator, EARL, Gun Court, 70 Wapping Lane, London E1W 2RS; Tel: +44 020 7702 2020; fax: +44 020 7702 2019; E-mail: [log in to unmask]; URL : http://www.earl.org.uk. (after September 30th, questions can be directed to Linda Berube at [log in to unmask] or Colin Campbell at [log in to unmask] 3. People's Network Development Team at Resource: the Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries (http://www.peoplesnetwork.gov.uk). The team, in partnership with Home Country strategic bodies SLIC, LISC (Wales) and LISC (Northern Ireland) manages the most comprehensive programme of public ICT provision supported by the Government. It will deliver a network of 4,300 ICT learning centres in UK public libraries with training support unmatched by other projects and a critical mass of digital content to support learning which will pave the way towards establishing future public-sector content provision on the web. This £170 million NOF-funded project is a significant component of the wider networking landscape, representing more than two thirds of the Government's universal internet access target to be met by 2005. Part of the remit of the team and its Home Country partners is also to develop financial and service models to sustain the People's Network following its implementation. To facilitate this discussions are being held with the public library community on policy and strategy issues of electronic service delivery through a series of road shows and expert forums. The PNDT is also instrumental in raising awareness and facilitating dialogue in the areas of network co-ordination and joint procurement of electronic resources.