Empowering learners through libraries will be the key message at this week’s launch of FOYLE, a co-operative venture between libraries in higher and further education, health and the public library service.

The pilot project, a first in Northern Ireland, aims to create a seamless cross-sectoral pathway for learning by adults in the Derry City Council area.

Elaine Urquhart, Assistant Director Library University of Ulster and Chairperson of the FOYLE group said: “This is a group of libraries working together to provide a top class modern information service to the local community in the North West of Northern Ireland.”

FOYLE is part of the INSPIRE (Information Sharing Partners in Resources for Education) UK initiative which hopes to exploit resources more fully by providing enhanced access for all and to reach non users and those currently excluded from access to learning opportunities.

While the primary aim for all the authorities involved is to support the effective delivery of services to their customers by working in co-operation, the project is also seen as an opportunity to share best practice and develop innovative approaches to service delivery.

Helen Osborn, Head of Libraries and Information in the Western Education and Library Board added: “For most customers, the service will operate by a referral from their own library. For those who are not currently enrolled in the university or college, this will mean contacting Central Library in Foyle Street. Having established that you are a member ‘in good standing’, your library can then refer you to one of the partners.In addition to being able to access the printed resources in all of the participating libraries, customers will also be able to borrow books from the normal loan collections in the public, University of Ulster, Magee campus, and NWIFHE libraries.”

While the INSPIRE project has been supporting improved access to resources for a number of years in the UK, the FOYLE project is taking a new step forward by offering borrowing as well as access to resources to the community.

The participating libraries include: Altnagelvin Hospitals Health & Social Services Trust Library in association with Queen’s University Medical Library; North West Institute of Further Education Library; University of Ulster Library and the Western Education and Library Board.

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter