Info Skills on the Move - Launches

The Hume Building Society Mobile Homework and Training Centre was launched by the Hon. John Cain on Friday 2 May 2008

Photos from Launch

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For bookings and enquiries please phone (02) 6022 9104

Overview of project

This innovative project will be providing a sustainable new service to the disadvantaged youth in our region.  The project was started through a grant from “Libraries Building Communities”.

A partnership between Upper Murray Regional Library, the Continuing Education Centre and the Hume Building Society has provided the ongoing sustainability of a mobile technology centre fitted out with the latest in technology to provide access to mainstream library and information services to the disadvantaged youth of our region by taking the service to them.  The function of the service is reflected in the name of the vehicle  - ‘The Hume Building Society Mobile Homework and Training Centre'

The service is innovative in that we will be going to the people who need the service rather than asking them to come to us thus facilitating ease of access which is an identified barrier to the targeted group for accessing information.
The project also demonstrates entrepreneurialism by the three year commitment (financially worth some $80,000)  made by our partners to the project and  by the mix of volunteers,  information professionals, teachers and students working in partnership to provide a gateway to information that will allow the development of skills, improve wellbeing, develop community capacity, encourage active citizenship, develop social networks and contribute to the future economic opportunities for those who access the services provided through the project.

The project has strengthened the position of Upper Murray Regional Library (UMRL) as a key organization developing the skills of those in our community who may otherwise not have the opportunity so that they can engage in the information society in which we live.  It has also strengthened the position of UMRL as an innovative leader in the provision of information and library services for its communities.  By use of this innovative mobile unit in conjunction with our two mobile library service vehicles we are strengthening the existing library network throughout our region to ensure that our communities have maximum  opportunity to acquire the skills for computer literacy and access to information in all its forms. 

A decommisioned mobile library was rejuvenated and fitted out as the homework and training centre. It includes: 7 laptops, network printer, Large LCD screen, airconditioning, fold down desks, chairs, coffee & tea making facilities, noticeboards and whiteboards. Its own generator will enable it to stop anywhere it is needed and be fully functional. All computers will have internet access (next G data connection) and Microsoft Office software.