Over €7m Funding Announced For Public Libraries

A major investment package for digital services and facilities in public libraries has been announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring.

The €7.8 million investment comprises €5.2 million from Minister Ring's Department and a further €2.6 million contribution from Local Authorities.

The investment will enable ICT infrastructure upgrades, meeting space technologies and digital learning suites in public libraries across the country.

The funding will enable the provision of ICT upgrades, meeting space technologies and facilities, and digital learning suites for up to 300 public libraries in 2018.

It will support provision of the following:

• iPads/tablets/smart devices for users and for staff to assist users

• Computers and workstations including image deployment technology

• Software to support design, gaming and coding

• Meeting space technology

• Podcasting equipment and workstations

• Mobile LCD screens with audio

• Interactive whiteboards

• Digital training suites

Speaking at the announcement of the investment at the South Dublin County Library in Tallaght, Minister Ring said: "I am delighted to announce this major investment that will enhance the technological capacity across the library network and will further position our public libraries as an invaluable community resource.

"The funding will support a programme of ICT upgrades and developments to ensure libraries can provide a service that is not only in line with the needs of library users, but which can also deliver new and innovative services. It will develop digital learning centres and innovation centres, providing users with access to latest technologies and supporting library users who are not confident with technology.

"This investment will contribute significantly to the strategic actions in Our Public Libraries 2022 – Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities which seeks to establish the library as an important enabler of digital services and facilitator of digital skills development."

Today's announcement follows on from the allocation of €3.4 million by the Department in 2017 for self-service technology and hot-desking facilities in public libraries.

Minister Ring added: "All of this will transform the facilities and services on offer in public libraries throughout Ireland. This investment and the new strategy is focused on public libraries delivering a modern, progressive library service which connects and supports communities and individuals. It is an ambitious strategy which is aimed at increasing library membership and usage of our public libraries. It focuses on removing barriers to access by eliminating fines and other charges, and challenging the belief that the library is only for certain sectors of society."

(MH/LM)