MILTON KEYNES INSPIRE PROJECT

 Background

The Milton Keynes Inspire project (initially named the GO:infoMK project) was the result of a funding bid by the Milton Keynes Learning City Libraries Network (MKLCLN) to the South East Museum, Library and Archive Council (SEMLAC) in 2004.

The project plan built on a previous project carried out in 2003 by MKLCLN which mapped library and information centres in Milton Keynes and was also funded by SEMLAC. This identified 28 organisations and provided information about the subjects covered, location, opening hours, availability and facilities.

Also previously in 2002, a work shadowing scheme was run during Adult Learners Week and staff at all levels across the 7 MKLCLN member libraries were offered the opportunity to shadow other staff. This was very successful and 20 staff participated which raised understanding of the different libraries.

Project details

There were 4 elements of the project

• To create a collection description database featuring the library collections of the seven participating public, academic and health libraries in the Milton Keynes area and extending to collections in museums, archives and galleries
• To negotiate access to the individual collections in the libraries and other information centres for the local community
• To work with Milton Keynes Adult Continuing Education Service to raise awareness of libraries and information centres with their students and to measure the impact on a group of adult learners. A group of adult learners was selected through the Woughton Skill Ladder project at the Farthing Centre in Netherfield
• To raise awareness of the database and the wealth of resources in Milton Keynes among library and information centre staff by holding seminars and offering a work shadow and exchange programme so that they able better able to support their own community.

The key element in the Milton Keynes Inspire project is the development of an online searchable database to promote access to the collections in museums, archives, galleries and libraries in Milton Keynes. Here you can find out about the wealth of information in libraries, museums, archives and galleries in Milton Keynes. Some of the unique collections in Milton Keynes are listed and searchable by subject, people, date etc. The website also describes how you can use each collection.

Milton Keynes INSPIRE is to operate within the framework of INSPIRE England (www.inspire.gov.uk), a national web access database across the length and breadth of England. The Inspire England initiative aims to provide a seamless cross-sectoral pathway for learning by adults across public, academic, and national libraries. Among its objectives is the provision of adult learners with access to the most appropriate learning materials, irrespective of their formal learner status.

The Project will deliver the INSPIRE England initiative to the Milton Keynes area and possibly be used as a model for the South East region.

 Project Staff

Project Manager: Josephine Burt, MKLCLN and Regional Strategy Manager, The Open University Library

Project Officer: Dr. Kwasi Darko-Ampem, February – December 2005

Steering Group:

Liz Gifford, Assistant Director, Milton Keynes Economy and Learning Partnership

Claire Griffin, Learning and Skills Officer (Strategy), MK ACE

Dr. Michael Synnott, Director, City Discovery Centre, Milton Keynes

Dr. Hazel Woodward, Treasurer, MKLCLN and University Librarian, Cranfield University

Project Benefits

This project will benefit people who live, work or study in Milton Keynes and will initially be limited to collections and libraries held in the borough. Additional benefits are:

• adult learners get opportunities to develop skills and knowledge initiated by exploring information and collections held locally and made available by Milton Keynes INSPIRE.
• learners will have access to a much wider network of books and information in Milton Keynes to stimulate their interests and meet their learning nee ds through a seamless cross-sectoral access pathway which starts at their local libraries.
• staff development opportunities will be initiated including work shadowing for the information and library workforce to raise awareness of the collections and access arrangements
• it will open the door on the wealth of information and artefacts in Milton Keynes to the wider community
• it will encourage learners of all ages including those undertaking formal education in schools, adult education, college and university and support informal learning

The whole project makes an essential contribution to Milton Keynes community life by

• making it easy for local people to find unique resources
• opening up collections to a wider audience
• develop the skills and knowledge of people who work in the libraries, archives, museums and galleries
• contributing to economic development in Milton Keynes.

Seminars

As part of the project 3 seminars were held and were attended by library and information staff from across Milton Keynes

• 13 October 2004 - ‘Tap into Bath - – new initiative to support learning communities in Bath’ by Alison Baud, University of Bath and Ann Chapman, UKOLN
• 3 February 2005 - ‘An introduction to the ‘Inspiring learning for all’ framework’ by Joy MacAlpine-Black, SEMLAC
• 7 April 2005 - Inspire (Information Sharing Partners for Education Resources) by Sally Curry, National Inspire Partnerships Manager

Details and presentations can be found at http://library.open.ac.uk/aboutus/seminars/seminars.htm

 Launch

 The project database was launched on Friday 4 November 2005 by Big George, broadcaster and composer at The Open University Library and Learning Resources Centre.

 Further developments

 In the future the database and access arrangements may be extended into North Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas. The future development of Milton Keynes Learning City Libraries Network (www.mkweb.co.uk/mk-libraries-network) will be informed by the Milton Keynes INSPIRE Project so initiatives such as simultaneous access to multiple library catalogues, resource sharing, developing an e-books collection locally, joint licensing etc may emerge from this initial collaboration.

Contact