Public libraries winning awards for hooking up Kiwis with free broadband
The Aotearoa People's Network Kaharoa (APNK) has picked up two nation-wide awards for its part in offering free broadband access at public libraries and helping the blind and vision impaired access the internet.
APNK is a collaborative effort between the National Library and public libraries of New Zealand.
APNK won the LIANZA (Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa) 3M Award for Innovation in Libraries. The award recognises libraries taking an innovative and entrepreneurial approaches. LIANZA conference members from across New Zealand voted for the winner.
APNK has also won the Extra Touch Award, presented by the Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand. The award recognises an outstanding contribution towards an improvement in access or service to blind and vision-impaired people and recognised APNK adding 'Magnifying Glass' and NVDA (Non Visual Desktop Access) to the computer software.
APNK aims to make broadband free and easily available in every public library across New Zealand. The APNK manages a network of over 500 computers in 119 public libraries, involving 39 local authorities.
"The benefits of the APNK are becoming clear for communities. Lots of different people are coming into the libraries to access the service, and as a result are becoming more confident computer and library users" says Margaret Garland, Manager APNK.
Find out more www.aotearoapeoplesnetwork.org
