Abstract
Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to review current knowledge, research and thinking about the difficulties facing public libraries offering internet access to their users in ensuring legally compliant and non-offensive use of this facility whilst still adhering to the professional value of freedom of access to information.Design/methodology/approach– A range of recently published sources (1997-2013) relating to the technical and organisational measures used to manage public internet access primarily in public libraries in the UK with some limited international examples were reviewed and analysed. This work was undertaken as the underpinning research for an AHRC-funded project, MAIPLE (Managing Access to the internet in Public Libraries).Findings– The provision of public internet access is a well-established component of the role of public libraries, but is seen as a potential problem due to the possibility of misuse, and it appears that simplistic technical solutions have disappointed. Legislation increases the need for more effective solutions that can provide a balance between the need for legal compliance, a welcoming environment for users, and the protection of key freedoms. A range of measures are being adopted worldwide in response to this dilemma.Originality/value– Research exploring internet access in public libraries and its management in the UK is numerically small and much of it dates back to the start of the twenty-first century. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the available literature and is of relevance to practitioners and academics in the fields of public librarianship.
Highlights
Computers have been available in public libraries in the UK since the 1960s, in back room operations such as cataloguing, library circulation systems and online databases
Brophy’s review of the People’s Network (PN) illustrated just how rapid this change was by citing installation figures from the year before: “By mid-November 2002, UK public libraries were providing 18,578 public access internet terminals, a number continuing to increase daily as they move towards the target of 30,000 by the end of the year” (Brophy, 2003, p. 18)
Research which looked at public library staff attitudes to the internet during the roll out of the PN concluded that, “ a minority of staff resented having to undertake the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) ICT training, many respondents found that training improved confidence and skills when using the internet” (Spacey and Goulding, 2004, p. 23)
Summary
Computers have been available in public libraries in the UK since the 1960s, in back room operations such as cataloguing, library circulation systems and online databases. Developments in public libraries in the UK in the mid to late 1990s were stimulated by a number of government commissioned strategies during a period of advancement of the concepts of lifelong learning, increasing IT use (by which point IT was commonly referred to as ICT (Information and Communications Technology/ies)) and reducing social exclusion. Most notable of these were New Library: The People’s Network published in 1997 by the defunct Library and Information Commission, the government’s response to this paper in 1998 and Building the New Library Network (Library and Information Commission (LIC), 1998). Research which looked at public library staff attitudes to the internet during the roll out of the PN concluded that, “ a minority of staff resented having to undertake the NOF ICT training, many respondents found that training improved confidence and skills when using the internet” (Spacey and Goulding, 2004, p. 23)
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