Library and Information Research Group

Refereed Article

The principal author

Dr. Gannon-Leary is a Research Associate in the Learning and Teaching Support section of the Registrars Department, Northumbria University. She was formerly a researcher in the Information Management Research Institute where she conducted the People’s Network research on behalf of NEMLAC. Her research interests include widening participation and diverse student needs.

Abstract

This research was conducted in response to a brief from NEMLAC requesting a review of the development of the People’s Network in the North East region’s public libraries with a view to the preparation of an Action Plan. The methodology involved interviews with key contacts in each of the 12 authorities in the North East, questionnaires distributed to users of the PN and brief interviews with customers using the PN in libraries within each authority. An Expert Day was held to which PN managers from the 12 authorities were invited to discuss and contribute to the research findings.