Internet access in UK public libraries: notes and queries from a small scale study

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this editorial is to discuss the findings of a small scale study of internet access in UK public libraries. It aims to examine all aspects of access, from the moment the service is requested, to the acceptable use policy (AUP) for each library, to specific Internet sites that are banned.

Design/methodology/approach
The methodology involved unobtrusive testing, commonly referred to as mystery shopping. A total of 14 different library authorities spread across the UK were visited by the researcher.

Findings
Variances in access to the internet in public libraries in the UK exist. Of concern was the lack of time staff in most libraries allocated to explaining the AUP the library was asking the researcher to sign. In some libraries the AUP was actually bypassed by the staff member entirely. Other concerns related to the differences in internet filtering adopted in the libraries visited, with legitimate sites blocked in some and not others. The quality of the experience was also lessened by inadequately designed front‐ends and the lack of helpful guides on using the internet.

Originality/value
The paper should be of interest to public librarians and others interested in the implementation of internet services in public libraries.