[47] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
net access for public libraries
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Robert Bocher)
Wed Apr 22 09:45:12 1992
Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1992 08:34:52 CDT
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@RICEVM1.RICE.EDU>
From: Robert Bocher <RBOCHER%WISCMACC.BITNET@RICEVM1.RICE.EDU>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L@UHUPVM1.BITNET>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Speaking on behalf of the Wisconsin Division for Library Services,
the state library agency, I would like to offer a response to the
following posting made on April 14th. I would have replied directly
to the author but there was no signature. In reference to the lack
of public libraries on the network the speaker noted:
>We need to move beyond the academic world. As a public librarian,
>I know that paying tuition is not a prerequisite to learning, nor
>is research the sole province of the tenured and tenure-seeking.
>But it often seems that academic and school colleagues have
>trouble with this point.
I agree that we need to get network access to those beyond the academic
world. Public libraries are grossly under represented on the network and
are generally last when network access is considered. Much of this
is a result of historical precedents and the ability of
academic/research institutions to better document their need and
use of the network. The speaker further commented:
>Here in Wisconsin, the state has worked to provide network
>connections for many academic libraries and school districts, but
>not for a single public library. This is changing, thanks to the
>efforts of good people, but the pace is frustratingly slow. The
>message is clear: "You're on your own."
About 14 months ago 23 academic institutions in the state created
WiscNet, the Wisconsin Higher Education Data Network. The state of
Wisconsin has not been directly involved in this process. At this
time there are no schools (k-12) or public libraries directly
linked to WiscNet. However, nothing in the WiscNet bylaws prevents
a school or public library from becoming a WiscNet member by paying
the $12k start-up costs and the $14.5k annual costs. (Some WiscNet
sites do provide limited dial access to the network).
WiscNet is funded by an NSF grant and from the budgets of each
individual academic institution. Each academic member has to
justify their need for network access and its expense to their local
governing body. Public libraries will have to make the same
justifications. If such justifications cannot be made at the local
level imploring the state to support the costs is just not realistic.
This is especially true considering other priorities the state has for
very limited funding.
Certainly some public libraries could make good use of the
resources available on the network. But until public librarians
can better articulate those needs and gain more support, first from
their peers and then from their funding authorities, the process of
getting them on the network will continue to be "... frustratingly
slow."
Bob
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| Bob Bocher, Wis. State Library, Madison 53707-7841 |
| BITNET: rbocher@wiscmacc INTERNET: rbocher@macc.wisc.edu |
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