Putting Imagination Online: Public Libraries, The Internet and Literature

Seminar One

a means of communication
- one to one e.g. e-mail
- one to many e.g. discussion lists
- real time communication too e.g. web-casts and videoconferencing
a source of information
- Individual's home pages
- Company web pages
- Academic information
- Databases
- Enthusiasts
a way of making information available
- available 24 hours a day
- available around the world

Developing online services which will encourage non-readers to read and older readers to learn IT skills
Virtual readers' groups
Online reader programmes
Memories online - making a community 'memory' available online so that it can be accessed by anyone and continually added to
Online author events which are linked to other libraries
Using the web site to promote both literature in the library and literature resources on the web
E-mail in feedback about library services and book reviews
Use the web site as a current awareness tool for staff
Online project work with schools
Using the web site to put up book reviews, listings and things like 'book of the month'
Gateway to other literature resources on the web
Setting up relevant mailing/discussion lists
Providing access to online magazines
Providing information about local events and authors
Bringing library services out of the library to the reader
Developing a more interactive OPAC which contains reviews, synopsis, comments, picture of the cover
Publishing creative writing online

Access - equipment and staff support - needs to be provided
Costs and funding - where is it going to come from
Culture of the organisation - culture needs to be changed to show that these services are important and must happen - all staff will therefore need to be trained
Censorship/Filtering issues
Who is going to manage the site and how will they ensure that it remains current?
Ensuring that training is continually taking place as the Internet is developing so quickly
How to ensure that information the library links to is quality information
Copyright issues

Online literatures services are core to public library services
Development of these services should take place through a national strategy and cooperation with other libraries
Managing the cost of these services is going to be crucial
It is important that these services are marketed to staff so they are enthusiastic and support their development
Libraries will need to work in partnership with private organisation to resource these services
Public access to terminals is essential.