Broadband access is now to be added to the traditional library services. Courtesy CILIP
Greater access to high speed broadband for the public in libraries across England is now possible thanks to an agreement brokered by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA).
MLA is working with digital technology body JISC and UK education and research network JANET(UK), who respectively fund and operate the JANET education and research network, to give public libraries access to a wider range of high quality online learning resources and the option of a faster internet service.
“This announcement marks a major development in the provision of library services, at once extending and confirming their value to all our lives,” said MLA Chair Sir Andrew Motion. “I'm delighted that the MLA has been able to play such a central role.”
Libraries who switch over to the JANET system could see their library broadband working at ten times the previous speed.
“Free access to online services was always a very natural extension of library culture,” said Jane Finnis, Director of Culture24.
“This new faster service is great as it will improve the user experience and open up opportunities for all kinds of new social activities.”
For more information go to the MLA website.
