People's network > Introduction

In this section you can access reports and presentations from People's Network training sessions and information about the online resources available through the People's Network.

People's Network Facts

All 557 libraries in Scotland are now connected to the People’s Network. This represents 8.5 million hours of free access to ICT and the Internet available in public libraries. Funding has been provided by the New Opportunities Fund for 3 main areas of development:

• GBP 11.5 million to develop infrastructure, providing the network, equipment and PCs
• GBP 2.7 million for training all library staff in ICT
• GBP 50 million, on a UK basis, for content creation.

The People’s Network provides over 2500 PCs, bringing the total of public access PCs in libraries to 3500. To support the People’s Network over 4400 library staff will complete the European Computing Driving Licence (ECDL) or an equivalent qualification.

A recently published report by Professor Peter Brophy, "The People's Network: A turning point for public libraries" (PDF format), highlights some of the impacts that the People's Network is having.

Discussion Forum

Scotslink is a useful discussion forum and information exchange for the People’s Network and ICT projects in a Scottish context.

SLIC encourage interested members to join the list. This list was set to facilitate communication within the Scottish Library and Information community.