I second that, very well put Ka-Ming.
the other linked issue is that off volunteer and charity run libraries, if that's not a breach of the 'trade descriptions act', introducing premium memberships!
Alan Wylie
Librarian
Islington Central Reference Library
2 Fieldway Crescent
N5 1PF
0207 527 6931
[log in to unmask]
www.islington.gov.uk
These are my own views and not those of my employers.
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Toni Franck
Sent: 04 July 2012 09:22
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Charging for internet access in libraries
Precisely. On the nail, Ka-Ming.
Sincerely, Toni
-----Original Message-----
From: Ka Ming Pang <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Mon, 2 Jul 2012 14:31
Subject: Re: Charging for internet access in libraries
Hey
When you consider the original remit of the People's Network, which was to help bridge the digital divide, and enable access for all. This kind of development is disappointing.
I strongly believe that the core of what libraries should do is to provide access to information for all. We don't charge for books, we shouldn't charge for the internet, the web is the place where people find jobs, hand in CV's find out how much their tax bill is, connect with people, get knowledge.
Like Ian says, in this current climate where people are losing jobs, this will only serve to make it tougher for people on the lower end of the social scale.
Ka-Ming
On Mon, Jul 2, 2012 at 1:48 PM, Ian Clark <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
I see this morning that Barking libraries have now introduced a charging policy for use of the internet based on an annual subscription model. I queried this with the library and was told that the service will remain free for those under 20 and those over 60. As far as I am aware there are no further concessions offered.
I know a number of other services provide internet access on payment of a fee (it's certainly not a new idea), but I do wonder how many offer concessions for the unemployed? In the current climate, shouldn't libraries be supporting those who cannot afford the access the rest of us take for granted more than ever? Do any of the library authorities who do charge consider any support for those who are unemployed? Unemployment is sure to continue to grow for at least the foreseeable future and, as the regular ONS figures demonstrate, many people who do not have an internet connection at home are in that position because they simply cannot afford it (I suspect many in Barking). I know some will argue that the fees are minimal, but for many people such fees are not exactly an incentive. £12/£25 per year does not sound a lot, but some of us do not have the pressures that others also have to deal with.
I wholeheartedly agree with Phil Bradley's post on this matter http://bit.ly/OYOZfw. This sort of policy places barriers in the way of those that need the service the most, it hinders not helps, discourages rather than welcomes, it is simply wrong.
Ian Clark
Library Systems Officer,
Augustine House,
Canterbury Christ Church University
Email: [log in to unmask]
Tel. 01227 767700 ext 3141
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