 |
 |
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 18th June 1998 EARL, The Consortium for Public Library Networking New Library: EARL's reply to the Government EARL has this week sent the DCMS its reply to the Government's response to New Library: the People's Network. The full response is available on the EARL web site, at http://www.earl.org.uk/information/responses/dcms.html. EARL welcomes the Government's commitment to public libraries and the recognition of their leading role in the delivery of all five objectives in 'Our Information Age'. The Consortium also asserts that the momentum created by this and other Government policies (NGfL, UfI, It for All, etc.) must be maintained. The Consortium has identified five key roles for EARL in this context, raising awareness of the issues that must be addressed by public libraries: . EARL as leader: the voice of the emerging New Public Library . EARL as facilitator: the bridge from national policy to local and regional activity . EARL as architect: in policy development . EARL as identifier: of local models and the definition of electronic content . EARL as exemplar: demonstrating the possibilities in the networked environment However, EARL is concerned that there is as yet no clear view on the structure and remit of a development agency for the public library network, and suggests that this key role should not be diluted across several organisations, rather it should be a single body with a remit to liaise with other relevant organisations. EARL supports the allocation of ?50 million for electronic content creation, but maintains that the definition of content should be broadened from simply digitised resources to electronic information services. Issues in the provision of content and its ongoing management that must be considered include: . Users' needs . Standards and identification of best practice . Prioirities and balance . Added-value - digitised materials shaped and focused using the traditi onal skills of the librarian . Ongoing management - including storage, copyright, charging and use issues EARL also welcomes the investment of ? 20 million on ICT training for library staff, and urges the consideration of the following issues: . Training needs analysis . Timing of training . Time to train . The training mix . Funding distribution The importance of the network infrastructure cannot be underestimated and is of immediate concern to library authorities. The pump-priming funds from the DCMS-Wolfson fund were most welcome, but EARL is disappointed that a more substantial sum was not identified for this purpose. EARL believes that the existing and emerging networks across sectors and localities should be utilised, and communication between networks must be of good quality. PTO Local taxes have traditionally been used to support the information needs of the local community, but this will no longer be feasible with respect to the public library network and related electronic information services. New economic models will be necessary to secure the required infrastructure. EARL supports the general tenor of the Government's proposals. The conference EARL and the New Public Library held last November identified many of the key tasks required to address the issues surrounding the effective implementation of the public library network. In drawing the attention of the DCMS to various issues in this regard, EARL represents the voice of the networked public library community. ----------------------------- Notes to Editors New Library : The People's Network: Report commissioned from the Library and Information Commission by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. It is available from the Library and Information Commission or at http://www.lic.gov.uk/publications/newlibrary.html Terms of Reference for the Network Implementation Committee: http://www.culture.gov.uk/LIC-TOR.HTM Creation of Digitised Content: http://www.culture.gov.uk/ANNEXC.HTM Information and Communications Technology Training for Public Library Staff: http://www.culture.gov.uk/ANNEXB.HTM New Opportunities fund - Policy Directions: http://www.culture.gov.uk/WEBNOF.HTM Our Information Age: Available from the Department of Trade and Industry Connecting the Learning Society, the National Grid for Learning: http://www.open.gov.uk/dfee/grid/index.htm University for Industry: http://www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/ufi/index.htm For more details about the EARL Consortium see our website at http://www.earl.org.uk or contact Helen Copeman at EARL, 4th Floor, Gun Court, 70 Wapping Lane, London E1 9RL; tel: 0171 702 2020; email: [log in to unmask] %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%