14 December 2004
Online Library Seeks Volunteers For The Frontline
The first phase of the new People's Network Service has been launched to library professionals. The People's Network Online Enquiry Service will deliver a real-time information service to the public by providing 'live' access to library and information professionals across the internet.
Developed by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), the service is being delivered collaboratively by public library staff across England.
Currently 29 library authorities in England are piloting the service. MLA is now inviting library colleagues across the country to trial the new service by asking sample questions. MLA hopes that by the end of 2005 all 149 library authorities in England will contribute to the service.
This new phase of the People's Network will give the public an additional route to the kind of high-quality information and reference advice only available from the library profession. The service will be free, and they will be able to ask questions in 'real-time', dealing directly with a member of library staff online.
Chris Batt, Chief Executive of MLA said: "This is the future of the public library service. Libraries are about providing people with knowledge and inspiration, whether that's from the printed word, from CDs or online. Libraries are already ahead of the game in giving people access to new technologies. This new phase of the People's Network will take them to top of the league. The Enquiry Service is part of a suite of online PN services which mean that our public libraries will be able to help people find the right information wherever they are, whenever they need it. We are asking colleagues to help us pilot and test out this Enquiry Service and give us your comments and feedback prior to its public launch in March next year."
The Enquiry Service software provides additional advantages to participating libraries, including online meetings, remote training and distance learning opportunities.
The full 24/7 service will be launched to the public in March 2005. To trial the Enquiry Service visit the pilot site at: http://www.peoplesnetwork.gov.uk.
For further information about the PN full suite of services including the Enquiry Service visit: http://www.mla.gov.uk/action/pn/00pn.asp
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