13.28 We envisage that libraries will make a significant contribution to the construction and maintenance of a learning culture for all. Whether public or attached to educational institutions or private businesses, libraries represent a major source of information, understanding, knowledge, creativity, culture, heritage and leisure. They represent a vital collective resource for a range of individuals, communities and companies. In the information society their value will increase, not diminish.
13.29 Public libraries provide opportunities for wide public access, not only through their main central facilities but through branch and travelling libraries, a range of book box services, telephone inquiries and, increasingly through new communications and information technologies. They contribute to the well being of individuals and communities in a many different ways, making a valuable contribution to economic success as well as to the cultural life of localities. Already, more than half of the British population holds a library ticket and 10 million people use libraries on a regular basis, at least fortnightly.
13.30 Libraries can help people meet the challenges we have identified in all sorts of ways: they can be at once resources in responding to change and new circumstances and agents of change themselves. They can act as a first port of call for citizens' and consumers' information and be an arena for the accountability of local services and different forms of participation. They can provide access to a better and wider understanding of the changes marking our society and the kinds of response which are possible. They can be a resource for community development and the improvement of individual skills and educational attainment. They can support increases in competitiveness and economic success. In short, libraries can enhance understanding, achievement and autonomy. They need to be appropriately modernised, in both provision and outlook, to fulfil this potential.
13.31 Libraries need to be linked up, both to each other and to other strategic partnerships through local area and regional networks, through the Internet and the new National Grid for Learning. Attention should be paid to making sure that the voice of libraries is represented at appropriate levels in the construction of strategic partnerships. Measures should be taken to ensure that the libraries themselves are adequately equipped to provide the new range of services and to do so in ways which widen access and guarantee accessibility. Library staffs should be appropriately trained to open up new pathways to information and learning through the new technologies, supporting a wide cross-section of learners with varying needs and current levels of competence. Libraries themselves should give publicity to their new facilities and, as appropriate, market their new services. All of this is mapped out, in some detail and with costings, in the recent report New Library: the People's Network, which we commend.
13.32 Recognition should be given to the contribution of libraries of all kinds to the promotion and support of a culture of lifelong learning for all. This needs to be reflected in funding allocations, staff development and in the arrangements libraries themselves make to provide clear information and ensure inclusive access, including opportunities for people to make use of the new technologies of communication and information in learning.
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