Connectivity

In 1998, 63% of the public libraries had Internet access. A year later this number has increased to 88% (845 service points), and in September 2000 to 98%, which means 100% of the central libraries in cities and the central libraries in rural areas. When we look at the branches: Connectivity for branches of city libraries increased from 51% to 90% and in rural areas the numbers are from 39% to 76% in 1999. In 2000 96% was achieved.
In almost all cases workstation terminals are available both for users and library staff, in total 3114.. 2800 workstations have solely access for users. The number of terminals available for the users increased from 1,5 to 3,1; a relative growth.

Technical infrastructure

The number of internet-workstations which also gives access to the automated catalogue has increased from 19% to 33%. About two third (66%) of Internet PC's for internal use are connected to a LAN and also used for office work, internal automation, CD-ROM consultation etc.
70% of the service points has a digital line for Internet connection. The number of internet-services offered by the libraries has also increased.

Service fees

In 9 out of 10 cases the public's use of Internet is not free. The average fee is 1,50 (0,68 Euro) for a quarter of an hour. In 20% of the cases, libraries offer some sites for free; this mostly (75%) concerns public and government information.

Staff training

Basic knowledge and skills of library staff in the use and application of new media have increased with 20% in each year. Some 3000 administrative workers and 3000 library-technical staff were trained.
Basic knowledge and skills for front office support of maintenance and management of multimedia PC's and networks have increased with 443%.
Knowledge of software and hardware was very poor in June 1998: in 8 out of 10 cases there was no one with special training. At least 1 (said 37%) or 2 (said 29%) persons should have those skills and also be able to teach courses. Specific knowledge of information domains, e.g. government information (public information) should at least be present for 1-2 persons, a minority had that knowledge in June 1998.
The number of staff who has didactic skills and knowledge of new media for independently giving training courses to library users in the use of new media and internet has now more than doubled. The number of staff who has basic knowledge and skills related to electronic government information has increased with 35%.

Public courses

The number of libraries which offer some form of information about new media to the general public has raised unto 71%. 16% gave information, 60% had given courses or information to groups. Related to target groups: there were courses for pupils, the elderly, women and jobless people. According to the registration of 75% of the libraries about 59.000 persons participated in these courses, of which 63% pupils. In total 5900 courses have been organised between 1999 and 2000.

The overall target was to have all libraries connected by the end of 2000. Special media-education campaigns were held for women (spring 2000) and young people (fall 2000). A Handbook on Media-education is now completed, based on examples of best practice.

(From: 3e meting Overheid, een open boek. Openbare bibliotheken op stoom op de elektronische snelweg, NBLC projectbureau Internet, maart 2001)