People's Network Libraries: comparative case studies of old and new ICT learning centres

The people's network (PN) aims to ensure the provision of free and open access to Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) through public libraries. This paper compares the usage of a PN converted library to an original learning centre. It was found that a wide range of people from different age groups and backgrounds use the ICT facilities. The results also indicated that both libraries had been successful in providing access to ICTs for people who would otherwise have had no access, although the age of the technology available in the more established learning centre had a negative impact on users, and the take-up of online learning opportunities had not been as prominent as would be expected