Media Release
19 May 2005

Manukau Libraries in Line With NZ Digital Strategy

Manukau Libraries joins with the National Library in applauding the Government's new 'Digital Strategy', launched this week by the Hon David Cunliffe. The strategy allows everyone access to quality information online. It aims to build the capacity of public libraries by providing a people's network for those not currently accessing the web and other online sources of information.

MCC has a partnership with the National Library of New Zealand and an example of how this is working in a practical sense is the online support programme to school children, entitled 'Any Questions'.

Manukau Libraries Manager; Chris Szekely firmly believes Manukau is on the right track in the digital age.

He says, "Learning centres such as those at Botany are proving popular in our libraries. This is in line with the Council's vision for a 'Smart Manukau' where communities have access to quality information and are inspired to be creative, innovative and knowledgeable.

"By establishing learning centres we are giving Manukau residents access to study facilities and information technology; excellent information resources, such as databases and a strong library collection; and the opportunity to take part in training programmes."

The last two learn.nets will be rolled out by the end of this year, in Tupu - Dawson Road Library and Mangere East Library.

Another successful initiative is the online heritage database, 'Manukau's Journey', a timeline with a selection of significant and representative events from the history of the city and adjoining areas.

Chris Szekely says, "With a network of 13 community libraries attracting over 2 million visits a year, Manukau Libraries is one of New Zealand's largest, busiest and fastest growing library systems."

Next month roll-out begins on the new state of the art system 'Millennium'. It replaces the existing library management system, and will link with other library networks in neighbouring cities such as Auckland City.

"Millennium will deliver benefits such as common search structures in each library's catalogue, and enabling libraries to e-mail customers about new books which match their reading interests.

"It's all about working smarter and sharing expertise with our neighbours, and there is potential to provide impetus for other regional resource-sharing in the future."

ENDS

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