Hurunui library networks on speed

With terminals in The District Library and the four branch Libraries of Hawarden, Cheviot, Culverden and Hanmer Springs, Hurunui is in the first wave of public libraries in New Zealand to join the Aotearoa People’s Network which aims to open up the digital world to all people and communities by access to free internet resources, computers and training.

Selwyn District Libraries and Waimakariri District Libraries are also in this first wave. Hurunui District Librarian, Margaret Garland, said that both her Selwyn and Waimakariri colleagues were as excited as she was at the development, and thrilled to have been chosen to participate in the early phase. “Ultimately, every public library in the country will be offering this service”.

The Aotearoa People’s Network has already rolled out 147 computers with associated hardware, software and telecommunications to 34 libraries in 13 regions. Southland District will be added to the network in May and 70 will be up and running by the end of the year.

Public libraries see the Network as a key initiative to provide digital opportunities to New Zealanders, particularly those who require support to learn skills and to find quality information for their needs.

The project was initially funded by the Community Partnership Fund of the New Zealand Digital Strategy with further government funding through the National Library of New Zealand.

All People’s Network computers offer free high speed internet as well as local and national government information, subscription databases offering full text newspapers and magazines, digital collections of New Zealand history, SKYPE, word-processing/office software and more.

A significant part of the People’s Network is to locally collect and capture events or moments of interest or significance. Those involved with jubilees, historic buildings or events will be invited to add their stories to the People’s Network to help build a digital repository of Hurunui stories. This is part of a drive by libraries to increase New Zealand’s digital content for future generations on the Web.

“The public should find facilities better and faster than they have seen before at their local library”, Mrs Garland said. “We expect the terminals to be very busy as people hear about this.” While the service will operate on a “first-in, first-served” basis, customers may be asked to move on after a period of time if others are waiting.

She reported that the installation went very smoothly and that staff are thrilled with the speed and the equipment.

“Staff will be available to help” says Garland, “so it’s a real opportunity to have an exploration of the online world, whether you are experienced or not.”