The People’s Network and Cultural Change

A recent report detailing the use of the People’s Network in public library services in the United Kingdom indicates an overwhelmingly positive reaction from users. The public are using the Internet in public libraries for a range of reasons and it is supporting their career-, learning-, leisure- and social-related activities. One of the striking features of the report is the number of comments from users commending the advice and assistance on using the Internet available from public library staff, suggesting that the public library is a comfortable and non-threatening environment in which to learn and practise ICT skills. The reaction from staff is more mixed, however, according to preliminary results of a PhD research project taking place at Loughborough University. While some public library staff are eager to seize the opportunities for new, expanded roles that the People’s Network offers, others are dismayed at the changes taking place to their job content and to public library services. Managers need to be alert to the cultural shift being experienced by staff, acknowledge it and find ways of addressing resistance and dislocation.