Life Long Learning

The People’s Network is a government initiative designed to help deliver the benefits of lifelong learning and access to information through the public library service, using information and communications technology (ICT). To achieve this, special funding has been made available from the National Lottery’s New Opportunities Fund (NOF). To gain the necessary funding, library services were required to submit detailed plans for both staff training and ICT infrastructure. The Council’s staff training plan was approved by NOF in the spring of 2001, since when training in a variety of ICT skills has been ongoing for staff. The infrastructure plan, developed in partnership with the Council’s own IT Department, was accepted by NOF in September 2001.

The libraries in Helensburgh, Oban, Campbeltown, Dunoon and Rothesay, as well as Lochgilphead Library, have been designated as Learning Centres (each have between 6 and 12 PCs), with high capacity 2MB links to the Council’s Internet proxy server via a Virtual Private Network supplied by British Telecom. These Learning Centres provide the following facilities:

• Free Internet access under the library service’s LITE (Library Information Technology Experience) branding
  
• Individual email facilities
  
• Windows2000 PCs equipped with individual colour printers and MS Office 2000 software
  
• Scanner facilities
  
• Learning packs

Benefits to learners will include:

• Access to a wide range of information, learning and leisure material from the Internet
  
• The opportunity for people to learn and improve ICT and other skills at their own pace and in their own time
  
• The ability to stay in touch with family, friends and even work through email
  
• The chance to type up and print off professional looking letters, CVs, posters, homework, etc. using the facilities available
  
• Ease of use, due to minimal administrative barriers, and access to trained and helpful staff
  
• Access to facilities during full library opening hours, so access in evenings and on Saturdays
  
• The opportunity to access ICT facilities free of charge for people with no such access in the home - in other words, Social Inclusion at its best

Amidst all this new technology, it should not be forgotten or ignored that our libraries will still continue to provide, and enhance where possible, the traditional services which are so important to many people. However, the People’s Network will give the public library service an opportunity to place itself at the forefront of community provision, allowing individuals access to a unique combination of learning, information and recreational facilities, thanks to ICT.

For further information, please contact:

Michael Davis
Reference & Lifelong Learning Librarian
Helensburgh Library
West King Street
Helensburgh
G84 8EB

Tel: 01436 674626
Fax: 01436 679567
Email : mike.davis@argyll-bute.gov.uk