MLA launches online tool to help libraries deliver web broadcasts

Citation

Blake, M. (2004), "MLA launches online tool to help libraries deliver web broadcasts", The Electronic Library, Vol. 22 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/el.2004.26322fag.004

MLA launches online tool to help libraries deliver web broadcasts

MLA launches online tool to help libraries deliver web broadcastswww.peoplesnetwork.gov.uk/future/streaming.asp

MLA has launched a new online tool to help libraries deliver cutting edge People’s Network services.

The web has long been a multimedia environment, but how many people really know the range of what is available, from TV and movie clips, to recorded music and a global network of internet radio stations? In addition, how many people know how to set up their computers to get the best out of these streamed media services?

The first stop for many new users of the internet is the public library through the successful People’s Network project that saw 30,000 PCs installed in libraries across the UK. While the ICT skills training given to all public library staff has enabled them to manage the technology and help new users, setting up the PCs to support streaming media effectively has caused some headaches.

Enter a new online support resource just launched by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) designed to help those library staff check out their computers and set them up to give the best access to streamed media. Developed by streaming media specialists Groovy Gecko, the diagnostic toolkit provides information about two popular software products used to view web broadcasts and will provide information to MLA, who continue to manage the development of the People’s Network, on the use of streaming media in public libraries.

Commenting on the launch Chris Batt, Chief Executive of MLA, said:

Library staff have completed the installation of the People’s Network infrastructure on time and in budget, and all library staff have now been trained in IT skills. The third phase of the project is the delivery of e-services to communities throughout the country, using the People’s Network. This online diagnostic tool will help MLA and libraries to plan more effectively in delivering exciting, cutting edge e-services which employ the use of audio and video.

Eddie Robins, Technical Director at Groovy Gecko, the developers of the online diagnostic tool said:

This diagnostic tool has the potential to turn millions of public library users onto streamed media which strikes at the heart of Groovy Gecko’s mission to make streaming media more accessible to all.