DEPARTMENT FOR CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT
DCMS 299/98 1 December 1998
'STREET CORNER UNIVERSITIES' ARE THE KEY TO TACKLING
THE INFORMATION DIVIDE SAYS ALAN HOWARTH
The Public Library Network is to become a key means of giving
the 'information have-nots' access to the benefits of education and
training initiatives, Arts Minister Alan Howarth said today.
Speaking at the Community Initiative Awards ceremony in London
today, Alan Howarth said that Government plans to use #400 million
extra National Lottery money for community projects would include
grants for library ICT projects:
"The socially excluded are not just suffering from material
poverty but are all too typically isolated from the social and civic
networks that enable people to live successfully in - and contribute
to - modern society. We are determined to ensure that our society
does not become divided into information 'haves' and 'have-nots'.
Those who are socially disadvantaged, those with disabilities and
those who otherwise cannot participate in education and training in
the normal way must not be excluded from the information revolution
that is upon us.
"That is why we plan to use part of the #400 million extra
Lottery money from the New Opportunities Fund to back projects which
will give the socially disadvantaged equal access to the new
University for Industry and the National grid for Learning.
"Public libraries must more and more take their place as 'Street
Corner Universities', providing real opportunities for everyone
regardless of their place in society."
In choosing projects to create or develop learning centres, the
New Opportunities Fund will particularly favour those which focus on:
engaging adults in learning in community settings, including
through outreach;
joining up learning resources provided by Government and others
at the local level to create Community Grids for Learning,
particularly by developing the Public Library Network;
providing information and guidance on learning opportunities
available locally; and
helping local communities to direct and build on these
activities themselves.
Notes to Editors
1. The New Opportunities Fund was created by the National Lottery
Act 1998 to fund health, education and environmental initiatives.
Subject to Parliamentary approval it will receive about #1.4 billion
from the National Lottery until September 2001, and one third of the
money available to good causes after 2001. The arts, heritage, sport
and charities have each been guaranteed one sixth of the money
available beyond 2001.
2. The new initiatives for New Opportunities Fund has been made
possible because the National Lottery is now expected to raise #10.6
billion, #1.6 billion more than initially forecast, over the seven
years of the current licence. In September, the Secretary of State
announced that the arts, sport, heritage and charities would each
receive #50 million extra, and NOF a further #400 million.
3. Organisations and individuals can obtain copies of the document
from The Stationery Office, PO Box 276, London SW8 5DT (tel: 0345 023474),
price #5. The document is also available on the Department's website.
# = pounds sterling
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