Council launches new website to help people get online!
By Lois_Avery | Friday, November 25, 2011, 15:13
If you're not on the internet in Chippenham then don't worry because Wiltshire Council has set up a website to help you.
Yes you heard that right; the irony isn't lost on you – a website, to help you get online, called Wiltshire Online.
According to the council "The Wiltshire Online website provides a one-stop-shop for anyone who is looking for more information about getting online."
Forgive me if this seems droll but I actually think that the people who are in need of help to get online, probably won't be looking for help online.
In fairness, part of the council's justification for this is: "to improve broadband provision across the county."
And I agree; this does need improving. And part of the initiative involves adult learning opportunities across Wiltshire to help all residents become confident users of technology. That's another plus point, as is the broadband speed checker.
Wiltshire Council's deputy leader John Thomson, said: "This new website is another addition to our drive to help people and businesses get more out of the internet. We have invested £16m in this area which is integral to reducing social isolation, helping families save money, bringing rural communities together and helping people learn new skills.
"We also understand just how important the resource is for local businesses.
"I hope people take a look at Wiltshire Online and see just how much the internet can help them."
Calne Community Hub has been helping local residents get online and I can see the benefit of this.
But I fail to see the benefit of creating a website to offer people help without a programme of training to get things off the ground. Chances are if you can Google 'Wiltshire Online' – you're pretty much there.
The Wiltshire Online website is now live to use.
Anyone without internet access who wants to find out more can contact the Wiltshire Online team on 01225 793349. Alternatively, free internet access is available in all Wiltshire libraries.
Comments
I agree with ShBurnham, would it not be a better idea to hold classes type things at the local library to help get people online? Such a shame to see all the cuts and closures, I loved going to Chippenham library when I was a child and even used it whilst doing my degree!
By locallaura at 16:59 on 29/11/11
ReportOr any other website for that matter! Agreed. I know it's meant to help but it seems a bit of a backwards approach!
By Lois_Avery at 19:05 on 27/11/11
ReportOh and one other question. If your not on the Internet, and dont really have a clue what to do about it, how exactly are you supposed to view this website?
By mjhudston at 09:02 on 26/11/11
ReportI collected all my books together (4 large boxes worth) and donated them to my local library, All were in excellent condition as I had only red them once or twice.
If you have masses of books in good condition that are taking up room. Why not ask your local library if they want them.
By mjhudston at 09:00 on 26/11/11
ReportYou might think that public libraries would be key to helping individuals familiarise themselves with computers and the Internet. But Wiltshire CC does not seem to think so. What a shame ! Perhaps, if they give the matter thought, they will see that these and their professional staff can be a vital resource for the people they are trying to help.
Articles in the Press and on national websites have highlighted what is happening to Wiltshire's library service. To summarise :-
The 10 smallest libraries will be staffed with volunteers,
c.28% cut in budget over four years; no closures but some reduced to just three hours opening per week..
Branches and mobiles will remain open, but much will depend on the availability of volunteers.
Changes to opening hours could mean that some branches are affected to an extent that they will be effectively closed.
26 FTE staff posts were lost December 2010, including 9 out of 13 community librarians)
A £940k library opened Dec 2010 has not escaped the cuts.
21 out of 31 libraries will have reduced opening hours.
Self-service installation, to save £300k p.a.
c.13FTE more job losses for 2011/2.
No new books to be purchased, except the top ten bestsellers.
£40,000 was spent on library staff uniforms only months before large numbers made redundant.
Aldbourne Library remains staffed, only due to increase in parish council tax.
Purton Library is now run by volunteers
By ShBurnham at 18:15 on 25/11/11
Report