Well we charge non-members for computer use, but we also allow free access to all our subscription databases through the OPACs, so we think our information provision is still free and comprehensive enough to meet our statutory obligations.
 
Also it's not just a question of income, we'd far rather they joined than paid us a visitor's fee, and the process of booking them in and taking the money is far more costly in staff time than what we charge them, given that Intellident (who admittedly have a vested interest) estimate that every staff mediated transaction in a public library costs a minimum of £7.
The charge is more to do with discouraging regular computer users from not bothering to join, although it does prevent us from applying for the Gates award.
 
Of course if authorities are charging library members for computer use, that is a different matter.
 
Regards

Paul Gahan ([log in to unmask])
Librarian (Information & Local Studies)
Libraries
Swindon Borough Council
Tel: 01793 707128
Web: http://www.swindon.gov.uk/libraries
http://www.flickr.com/swindonlocal


From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Dolan
Sent: 17 June 2011 07:53
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Bill and Melinda Gates award 2012 Access to Learning Award - Call for Applications

Agree with Ian, but note the conditions

 

“…the applying institution must allow all members of the public to use computers and the Internet free of charge in a community space … it is a one-time recognition, or prize, for organizations that have created programs currently providing free access to computers and the Internet for the public”

 

A growing number of library authorities is charging for Internet access, substituting income generation and cost reduction for their statutory duty to provide a free and comprehensive library service…….

 

John

 

John Dolan OBE, BA, Dip Lib, MCLIP

 

E. [log in to unmask]

Tw. @johnrdolan

T. 0121 476 4258

M. 07508 204200

From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ian Stringer
Sent: 10 June 2011 18:02
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Bill and Melinda Gates award 2012 Access to Learning Award - Call for Applications

 

For information. Its time this award came to a UK library!





-----Original Message-----
From: ATLA [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2011 1:41 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [IFLA-L] 2012 Access to Learning Award - Call for Applications

*Apologies for multiple/cross postings*

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is currently accepting applications to its 2012 Access to Learning Award (ATLA), which recognizes the innovative efforts of public libraries and similar institutions outside the United States to connect people to information and opportunities through free access to computers and the Internet. The award is given by Global Libraries, an initiative of the foundation's Global Development Program. The recipient of the Access to Learning Award will receive $1 million (U.S.).

Applications for the 2012 Access to Learning Award must be submitted via an online submission process no later than September 30, 2011. The application form is available only in English and must be completed in English to be eligible for consideration. However, while applications must be submitted in English, the foundation does offer informational brochures in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. You may find these and additional information on eligibility requirements and the process of selection at http://www.gatesfoundation.org/ATLA.

Background about the Access to Learning Award:

Computers and the Internet are powerful tools that provide opportunities for people to improve their social and economic well-being. Worldwide, just one person in six has access to the Internet. This means that more than five billion people miss out on chances to pursue education and employment, access government services, learn about valuable health information, conduct business online, and exchange information and ideas. The Access to Learning Award encourages new, innovative ways to provide computer and Internet services to people without access, and promotes greater development of public access technology programs around the world.

The Access to Learning Award honors innovative organizations that are opening a world of online information to people in need. The foundation's Global Libraries initiative invites applications from libraries and similar organizations outside the United States that have created new ways to offer these key services:
*       Free public access to computers and the Internet.
*       Public training to assist users in accessing online information that can help improve their lives.
*       Technology training for library staff.
*       Outreach to underserved communities.

Please note:
*       No U.S. organizations are eligible to apply. That includes U.S. organizations that operate in locations outside of the U.S.  If a U.S. organization works through a local organization outside of the U.S., the local organization
       would be encouraged to apply.
*       To be eligible, the applying institution must allow all members of the public to use computers and the Internet free of charge in a community space.
*       The ATLA is not intended as a grant to fund proposed activities - it is a one-time recognition, or prize, for organizations that have created programs currently providing free access to computers
       and the Internet for the public.

Please send any inquiries about the ATLA to [log in to unmask].

Kind regards,

Steve Bergen
ATLA Administrator
[log in to unmask]




--
Ian Stringer


The views expressed in this email are personal and may not necessarily reflect those of Swindon Borough Council unless explicitly stated otherwise. This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error, please notify me immediately. If you are not the intended recipient of this email, you should not copy it for any purpose, or disclose it's contents to any other person. Senders and recipients of email should be aware that, under the Data Protection Act 1998 and Freedom of Information Act 2000, the contents may have to be disclosed. The contents may be subject to recording and/or monitoring in accordance with relevant legislation This footnote also confirms that this email has been swept by Anti-Virus software for the presence of computer viruses. However, Swindon Borough Council cannot accept liability for viruses that may be in this email and we recommend that you check all emails with an appropriate virus scanner.
....