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More computers with Internet 110W at library thanks to grant By IRENE GENTLE The Champion Milton Public Library is revving up to speed into the information age thanks to a new partnership grant from Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC). Through the Local Labour Market Initiative, the grant will allow the library to install il new computers with full and limited Internet access. The new computers are sched- uled to be up and running by October of this year. "We're delighted to have been considered a part of this," said chief libranian Leslie Fitch. "It's a grand thing." Presently, tbe library bas two computers with Internet access and two terminais that are linked to library catalogues only. Tbe whole deal is worth about $52,000 for Milton, with the library kicking in 35 per cent of that figure through trade such as staff Urne. The ides is to increase access to tbe information technologies nec- essary in today's job rnarket. 'The HRDC are trying to partner with sorneone obvious ini the corn- munity to help people prosper in the information age," said Ms Fitch. Leslie ruscn HRDC have forged sirnilar part- nerships with libraries in the other Halton municipalities. More computers will relieve the bottleneck that can form around the work stations already in place at the library, which frequently boast line-ups. It will also help the computer shy plunge into cyberspace, said Ms Fitch. "I hope people who currently are a bit hesitant wilI try these out," she said. "Every facet of our every- day life is becorning structured around computers." That's where the library cornes that we'Il have itl" Even if access to computers îsn't a prnblern, for some people, access to information can be. Once again, that's where the library cornes in. "It can be really difficult to search. One of the advantages of corning to the library is that searth- ing and retrieving information is our specialty," she said. "There's an opportunity for us to help." Even in the terminaIs that have only partial Internet access, the library'a experience with people is an advantage. Partial access means the comput- er would be linked only to informa- tion sites the library subscribes to. By understanding what people want to know, the library can choose which web sites to, hook up te. .We know what kind of ques- tions people want to know answers to," said Ms Fitch. "That's our business." Additional computer work sta- tions can only boost the communi- ty's labour skills, said Ms Fitch. "I can't think of rnany jobs out there wheoe you don't need at least in. the basîcs of computer knowl- "Not everyone can afford to have edge," she said. this kind of equiprnent at home," "Even cash registers are automnat- said Ms Fitch. "But people expect ed now.", The Canadien Champion, Tuesday, MarchW3, 19W9- --- IN ---LT~~ PAVINGL LTD.: 71EAPAKTNGAWNG I EINTEGRLOCNG I M c ONCRT (905) 3DIVEWA7283 1E GARAGE FLOOR Ail wof*awftm ernj Pu.rchase Finance Lease Rate Up To 36 Months BàcaB O ____R SRVIECHARDSGN CH ..... a#4m on-dEZr ......Hm>» EVROL6ET-OLDSMGBILE BU 4u~m HWY 2F F~ AT DERRY RD MILTON m w'- Mon.-Tliurs Frlday ... Sardoy. lue$s..... ourwm Saturday ...... *mm HWY. -9; S AT DERRY RD Mll TON