SocialLibrary

"Libraries have been playing a key role in reducing isolation and improving job prospects among those with no internet access, writes David Batty."

"At a time when many local authorities have cut back on their library services, Brighton & Hove city council has made them central to improving its performance and the experience of service users.

The Council Connect project provides local residents who lack internet access or online skills with information technology training and support. This is aimed at enabling them to use other local authority services online more easily and develop skills useful for employment and in their personal lives.

The project began last year to bridge the divide between web-savvy local residents who save time and money by going online to pay council bills, resolve enquiries or arrange services, rather than visiting council offices, and those with no internet access or skills.

The council noted that the latter often live in more deprived communities or belong to more marginalised social groups, such as older people, those with mental health problems, unemployed people and some ethnic minorities."

"As library systems struggle with finding their relevance within the continuously and rapidly changing digital world, there are a number of things which we (library staff) all need to keep in mind.

Not only do libraries need to re-invent themselves, we also need to do it while conveying the message externally (in a way that addresses some of the traditional perceptions of libraries the community has come to know – an institution where people still experience barriers to accessing information or having social exchanges)."

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Weston Library Warms to the Role of Meeting Place The Daily Weston

"Karen Tatarka, head librarian at the Weston Public Library, gives a tutorial on one of the Kindles now offered for check-out.

During the Oct. 29 snowstorm the Weston Public Library became a gathering place and communications hub for residents who had lost their power. It was a place where Westonites could interact with the outside world, get on the Internet, charge their cell phones or simply warm up and chat with friends.And that's the way Karen Tatarka, director of the library, likes it.

“When it comes down to it, this really is an open space for the public, and we like to look at it as a community space rather than a library space,” Tatarka said.

Over the years, libraries throughout the country have been remodeled and updated, both internally and externally, to adapt to technological change, and the Weston library is no different. “I think as our society changes, we have to change with them,” Tatarka said."