Bournemouth residents will be able to enjoy improved IT services in Bournemouth’s public libraries thanks to an investment of £270,000 awarded at Cabinet this week.
The project will upgrade existing IT network infrastructure and lines, and implement public Wi-Fi facilities to serve the needs of residents throughout the Borough. During public consultation local people consistently asked for faster broadband, access to a wide range of websites and applications, more IT skills training, and for public Wi-Fi – of all the suggestions received Wi-Fi was the second most requested.
Bournemouth libraries provide and support 195 public use computers, including two IT learning suites used for training courses and support for job seekers. Public computers are available for 280K hours a year; and assistive software is available for users with a disability.
Bournemouth’s libraries provide access to national and local online services and online information databases and eBooks. Other information and advice services are based in many of the libraries; these agencies will be able to use the improved IT to benefit their customers too.
Councillor Lawrence Williams, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure & Culture, said: “The public IT services in Bournemouth libraries support the needs of learners of all ages, job seekers, researchers, residents without access to IT and visitors. It is vital that we are able to provide a fast effective service that meets their needs. This funding will ensure we deliver digital public services and will future proof essential facilities.”
