2 March 2005
A training programme launched to help educate the nation's public library staff in the ways of the internet is proving tremendously successful according to new research.
Almost all 40,000 public library staff across the nation have now undergone the £20 million ICT training programme which has been funded as part of the People's Network project aimed at linking all 4,200 public libraries to the internet.
A study conducted by the Tavistock Institute found that not only has this online training helped educate staff but it is also helping reshape the entire public library service.
The internet knowledge gained from ICT is providing libraries with broader social exchange skills that can be used by a number of previously disassociated organisations and groups such as life-long learning initiatives, civil society and e-government services.
Library staff members are also personally feeling the benefits according to Tavistock, many of whom are experiencing self-confidence inflations and boosts to the sense of professionalism in their roles.
Staff are also thriving on being able to pass on their benefits of their ICT training to the public and to help them learn how to better navigate the internet and access a range of online services.
"The People's Network has been a catalyst for change in the way public libraries serve their communities, and the staff are at the heart of that transformation," commented Chris Batt, chief executive of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.
"This training is part of a major transformation programme for public libraries. As the vision and values of library services evolve, a degree of cultural change is necessary too."© DeHavilland Information Services plc
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