SCL Supports Race Online 2012
Libraries pledge to get 500,000 people online by 2012
The Society of Chief Librarians (SCL) supports Race Online 2012 and welcomes the announcement by the Cabinet Office on the digital review undertaken for the government by Martha Lane Fox. SCL has pledged that public libraries will help 500,000 people get online by the end of 2012.
All front line library staff are digital champions who not only promote digital services to their customers but also support them to go online, building skills and confidence where required. Nearly 30% of households in the UK do not have access to the internet at home and for many people the local library is an essential link for access to online resources.
As government moves towards digital as a key way to help people access public services, public libraries provide a vital community internet service that is available to everyone and, in more than 90% of libraries, is free of charge.
SCL President, Nicky Parker, said: “Public Libraries are trusted places in the community and what better place to access information. Already many people are doing more online in public libraries, including sitting their driving theory tests.”
Libraries work closely with DirectGov. NHS Choices and the Adult Careers Service to ensure that citizens can confidently access health, employment and benefits information they need as well as pay for their driving license, passport or parking permit.
For more information please contact:
Elizabeth Elford
SCL Communications Manager
+44 07891 056 114
NOTES FOR EDITORS
The Society of Chief Librarians (SCL) is made up of the chief librarian of each library authority in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. SCL takes a leading role in the development of public libraries. www.goscl.com