• FURTHER to your October 19 article concerning the need to upgrade the public computers in Camden’s libraries, I felt that it would helpful to explain our ambitions for this vital, well accessed, service (Digital age where all of Camden’s library computers are on their last legs).

We recognise the need to bring our public library computers, broadband and IT network system up to date to ensure they are more reliable for our customers and allow them to quickly and efficiently access the huge wealth of information available online.

Working with our IT services, we are developing the next stage of our investment plan to replace all the public computers, printers and scanners and improve the IT infrastructure to encourage “bring your own device” services.

We are committed to seeking both investment into refreshing the technology in our libraries and continuing to explore innovative ways to provide the services our residents and visitors need.

This will include delivering our ambitions for the future of the service, such as providing coding classes and using the latest educational augmented reality and robotics to ensure we are well prepared for the exciting next steps of what technology may offer.

We’ve seen what our community centres like Dragon Hall can do with new technology. While it is too early in this process to give an exact cost for the replacements, the aim is to secure a commitment to the investment bid by the end of this year.

This investment will take an innovative approach and address the long-term sustainability of new information technology and computer hardware through engagement with our partners including from the public, voluntary and commercial sectors.

This will enable us to understand what the digital and information technology needs are for our residents and visitors and to ensure we replace the current stock with suitable equipment that will remain efficient, useful in the longer term and address the digital divide in our communities.

CLLR JONATHAN SIMPSON
Cabinet Member for Promoting Culture & Community Services