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4 Appendix
Terms of reference:
Library and Information Commission Working Group on Information Technology

The overall aim of the Working Group will be to report to Government on the steps which need to be taken for public libraries in the United Kingdom to respond effectively to the challenge of the new information and communications technology. The Group should report by the end of July 1997, although their work may continue beyond this date, A critical success factor for the Working Group will be establishing a practical method of ensuring quick and effective communication and negotiation with local authorities. The Group should address:

1. what services and 'content' a public libraries information technology network might deliver to the end-user;
   
   
2. how a public library network might contribute to the more efficient management of the nation's library resources, by improving communications between libraries;
   
   
3. the value of electronic data links for the exchange of information between public libraries and other networked information resources in the public, academic and commercial sectors, including the value and feasibility of links to existing networks such as JANET, and to museums and galleries;
   
   
4. the possible role of a public libraries network as a gateway for remote users to a whole range of sources of electronic information;
   
   
5. the implications of (i) to (iv) above for the design and technical specification of a public libraries IT network, building on the work done by Information for All, but not constrained by it. The Group should also consider a more flexible approach, incorporating a number of different financial and technical models;
   
   
6. funding of the network and the potential role of the private sector and the Lottery in providing the initial capital investment, managing the system and supplying content;
   
   
7. charging mechanisms and policies;
   
   
8. how the network should be procured and run, including how negotiations with suppliers of IT systems and copyright owners might best be handled;
   
   
9. how training and development requirements might be met.

The Public Libraries Review highlights some particularly important IT developments, which the Group will need to take into account in framing its recommendations. The relationship of a public libraries network to the British Library's electronic services, including its programme of text digitisation, will need to be carefully examined. The impact of the Government's IT for All and government.direct programmes and how public libraries can contribute to these initiatives should also be considered with the relevant agencies and departments.

Because of the range and diversity of the issues and interests involved, the Working Group will not itself aim to be representative, but will be a small team drawing on the advice of a number of specialist sub-groups focused on particular tasks or problems.

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