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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