People's Network infrastructure programme

The People's Network project has introduced ICT learning centres in every public library in the UK, of which there are more than 4000. It has formed a significant part of the government's UK online programme which has led to 6000 centres being launched in England (more than 3000 of which are in public libraries). For an overview of the infrastructure strand please take a look at this short Flash clip.

The infrastructure strand of the People's Network project has ensured that the necessary 'IT kit' is in place in public libraries so that people can access the internet and other IT services. Better still, access to the internet in the vast majority of cases is fast (broadband), enabling people to access a range of other online services.

ICT learning centres come in all shapes and sizes. For a small (branch or community) library, this could mean between 2 and 6 publicly accessible internet terminals, while larger libraries, such as those often found in cities and towns, could house between 10 or 50+ internet terminals.

• Further insights into trends associated with network infrastructures in public libraries and links to information relating to acceptable use policies and networking cooperation between libraries.
• See also some examples of public library network infrastructure plans.
• Details of the BT LearningStream offer (Word 23KB)  for museums, libraries and archives.
• Funding information relating to the programme.
• FAQs about network infrastructure.

To search online for your nearest public library ICT centre visit any of the following websites:

• UK online centres website (England)
  
• Cymru Ar-Lein ICT Learning centres database (Wales)
  
• Digital Scotland (Scotland)
  

CALL PN Programme

Each library service received funding from the New Opportunities Fund (now Big Lottery Fund) through a programme called the Community Access to Lifelong Learning (CALL PN) programme to enable the installation of a local network to deliver the People's Network requirements. Refer to information relating to the CALL Programme (Word 34KB)  to find out more.

Excellence Fund

A small percentage of the CALL PN programme allocation in England was set aside for authorities in England to experiment and innovate with their network solutions. The aim of the People's Network Excellence Fund was to allow public libraries to build on existing infrastructures where they already had widespread network coverage. It represented an opportunity for library services to implement 'cutting edge' ICT projects to spectacularly showcase the People's Network and provide future benefits for other library services.

Further information about the Excellence Fund is available in the Excellence Fund Guidance Notes (Word 488KB)  and the press release announcing the project awards.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Gift

A $4m (£2.6m) gift from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has provided a valuable addition to the People's Network project. The gift has been used to purchase local ICT hardware (terminals and printers) for libraries that are situated in areas of social deprivation. This has led to a further 1903 internet terminals being implemented in 413 libraries across the UK. Download further information about the gift (Word 41KB) .