What is the People's Network project?

Lottery funded by the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) in 2002 and managed by ALM, the People's Network project is part of the Government's commitment to give everyone in the UK the opportunity to use computers and access the Internet.

Through the People's Network, over 4,000 public libraries across the UK are supporting the information needs of local businesses and community groups and provide access to Internet-based Government services. Also funded by NOF, all public library staff across the UK are learning and becoming more confident in using IT. These staff are on hand to help you learn new IT skills and find the information you want.

How does this benefit me?

It depends what is important to you. You might want to:

• support your studies in school, college or university
• learn for fun - pursue a hobby in a supportive and friendly environment
• acquire new skills to improve your job prospects or professional development
• find out what's going on locally and nationally
• use email to keep in touch with family and friends
• research your family history
• plan your holiday
• shop online

In short, the People's Network continues to offer opportunities to everyone, regardless of age or individual circumstances. It's your library service and your People's Network.

The People's Network in Hillingdon

Through the use of computers, software and online resources, all seventeen libraries and 3 learning centres in the London Borough of Hillingdon can help you communicate, research, learn and have fun. Public libraries are popular and trusted services that can be found in every community so this investment in them will benefit everyone.

As a service we are committed to lifelong learning for people of all ages and abilities and we realise the importance of information technology today and for future generations. The People's Network, here in Hillingdon, funded by NOF, forms part of the Hillingdon Grid for Learning (HGfL) and connects to the Internet via the London Grid for Learning (LGfL). This new network connects all primary and secondary schools, youth and leisure centres (including swimming pools), Compass Theatre & Arts Centre, Winston Churchill Hall and all seventeen libraries in Hillingdon.

With over 170 computers now available at our 17 libraries and 3 learning centres, offering an increasing range of services, an online PC booking and print control system has been implemented to manage the bookings and to ensure fairness.

Sessions can be booked, free of charge, to use the Internet, Email, MS Office 2000, Library Catalogue, Community Information, Electronic Information Services, Newspaper Databases, Online Learning packages and much more on these new PCs. At least one PC in a library will be offering scanning, CD-Writer and eventually Web cam facilities.

At least one PC at each library is labeled “Fully Accessible”. This means that it has Dolphin's Supernova installed on it, a special software to help the visually impaired. This software can magnify the screen and also convert text to speech, so that you can listen with the help of headphones. Where possible, the PC will be located on a wheel chair friendly workstation. All other PCs have MS Windows standard Screen Reader and Magnifier utilities, which are available from Tab 5 on the Launcher Pad.

Printing from all of the PN PCs costs 20p per A4 page in black & white and 40p per page in colour. Please be careful when printing from the Internet since many web pages, when printed on paper, amount to several pages of A4. Always use print preview - if you are not sure about how to do this, please refer to the following Beginners Helpsheets:

• Printing a Web Page
• Printing Part of a Web Page

All 17 Libraries offer...

In all 17 libraries in Hillingdon you can book a PC for free for up to two hours for:

• high-speed broadband Internet access
• web-based email, such as MyWay, Hotmail, Yahoo
• access to MS Office facilities
• access to the online Library Catalogue / Community Information
• access to e-Information Services
• access to Safari e-Books
• access to e-Learning
• and much more... (see our Getting Started Helpsheets)

Homework Clubs

Homework Clubs for 9-14 year olds also run during term-time at Hayes, Oak Farm and Yiewsley libraries with specially trained and helpful staff to provide guidance and support.

So whether you want to research a list of pre-school groups, type a CV, design a poster, surf the Internet, research your family history, or contact your friends, your local Hillingdon library is the place to be!