If you can read this message, then it is likely that your browser does not support the latest web standards, and this site will appear in a less than optimal way. We recommend you upgrade to a standards-compliant browser to improve your Internet experience.

Skip to content | Accessibility Info

Completed Projects

IT POINT: A PUBLIC LIBRARY IT DEMONSTRATOR PROJECT: THE EVALUATION

IT POINT was an innovative and unique twenty-one month project, established in July 1994, providing a range of electronic information services to the general public in a public library. It was established by Dr Bob McKee, then Director of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's Libraries and Arts Department as a research response to concerns about the role of libraries (and public libraries in particular) in providing access to information and skills through new technologies. These concerns were expressed by a variety of surveys and groups from within the library and information profession, particularly in 1992 and 1993. The project was funded by the British Library Research and Development Department between July 1994 and March 1996 and conducted by the Libraries and Arts Department of Solihull Metropolitan District Council.

The evaluation of the project was conducted by the Centre for Information Research and Training (CIRT) at the University of Central England in Birmingham, which was also contracted to write the final project report with recommendations and transferable models of public access IT facilities for other public library authorities.

The evaluation team found that the project successfully achieved its aims of providing public access to a range of electronic information services within a public library and in disseminating lessons to other public library authorities. The experience of IT POINT demonstrates four key lessons.

1. There is a potentially heavy demand for this type of service in public libraries.
2. The public recognises that this type of service should be available as part of public library provision.
3. Such a service can bring new customers into public libraries.
4. Such a service can enhance significantly the contribution made by the public library to a local authority's strategic objectives for lifelong learning, community development and economic regeneration.

Publications

McKee, B., Nankivell, C. IT POINT: Is there a role for public libraries in the new information society? Public Library Journal, 12(2), 1997, 33-36.

Nankivell, C., MacKenzie, N. IT POINT: A public library IT demonstrator project. British Library Research and Development Report 6253. London: British Library, 1996.

Nankivell, C. Kayam, G. IT POINT: development and evaluation of new public library service, bringing access to IT and networks to the public. In: M. Beaulieu, E. Davenport, N. O. Pors eds. Library and Information Studies: Research and Professional Practice. Proceedings of 2nd British-Nordic Conference on Library and Information Studies, Edinburgh, 24th-26th March 1997. London: Taylor Graham, 1997, 32-43.

Project Team:
Clare Nankivell
Niall MacKenzie
Professor Judith Elkin