Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa

It was an interesting session from Margaret Garland and Sue Sutherland on the future of the Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa this afternoon. The introduction of free internet into our public libraries has pushed librarians beyond our previous experience to deal with new demands on our technical and people management skills and none of that is going away any time soon, so get used to it everyone! The number of Libraries with APNK is huge across teh country. They provide all the help required.
So much on offer Local pages and Kete for digitising, storing and sharing community stories are now available for libraries.
quotes from some small Libraries, eg Wairoa, raglan, CHB, "Patronage continues to climb, the problems faced are easing, and we are developing a better understanding of how to use this fabulous resource as a community asset." and this one "The wifiers this morning spilled over onto the Aotearoa People's Network Kaharoa computers and were all over the world comparing experiences, accommodation and excursions. It was a beautiful thing to behold!" and my favourite "The computers have really brought this area alive with children and young adults using the facilities."
The future looks complicated with some big funding questions. It was great to hear the very clear planning and thought already going on in preparation for that rapidly approaching time when the current funding runs out (2011!). Such a good sign for the libraries on the wait-list and for everyone looking to the future when it’s going to be about sustainability – the computers, the skills, the networks.
This was a very strategic session with a lot of focus on the big picture, going far beyond the nitty gritty of getting NZ online in libraries. It looks like there are some difficult waters ahead for public library networks and local government with issues like autonomy and collaboration to navigate. Big questions and a good time to start facing up to them.