main content Bromley central library gets wi-fi

In the latest of a series of improvements to library services designed to meet changing customer expectations, visitors to Bromley Central library will be able to access the internet using their own laptops and handheld devices by the end of May. Satisfaction levels with IT services in libraries fell from 81% in 2003 to 68% last year, largely due to increased waiting times to use the 120 People’s Network desk top terminals that were installed in 2003 in libraries across the borough.

Demand for internet facilities in libraries is growing year-on-year, and in the Central Library usage is now at 74% of time available, with peaks around lunchtime and after school hours. As well as reducing waiting times, other benefits include the potential to increase numbers able to take part in IT training sessions such as first time users and silver surfers, and convenient access to their own files for laptop owners. In order to access the new service, users log on to the network through a secure PIN provided by library staff.

Michael Tickner, executive councillor for local economy said “By introducing wifi we are bringing our technology up-to-date for our library customers. This pilot will be enormously popular with those needing internet access for business study, or leisure purposes.”

If the pilot in Central Bromley is successful and increased usage occurs, this service could be expanded to other libraries in the borough, provided funding can be released. Currently the potential for a partnership with commercial providers, which would widen wifi access to communities around each branch library, is also being investigated.

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact 020 8313 4391 or email ann.clay@bromley.gov.uk 

Further information about library services in Bromley is available at www.bromley.gov.uk/libraries