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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/ %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%