LETHBRIDGE COMMUNITY NETWORK: PROJECT SUMMARY

here is a continually demonstrated need for public access to information technology and the Internet in Lethbridge. By forming a strong network that is coordinated and supported by an incorporated not-for-profit society in Lethbridge, the 32 public access sites will support the public in accessing essential government, health, education, and employment information. Information Technology (IT) training and education are offered to community residents through a combined partnership between the LCN, it's volunteers and the Lethbridge Public Library. Together we have created an Information Literacy Centre that provides training and skill development to individuals wishing to develop these essential skills and resources.

he pooling of the resources of the 32 partner site's resources has established a state-of-the-art hardware and software network which now serves over 700 individuals a day in accessing information technology. This population includes a wide range of citizens, aged 6 to 90, covering all economic, social, psychological and physical abilities in our community.

he LCN Board of Directors works to assure a high degree of quality and consistency across the LCN network. A central administration, lead by the project coordinator, provides each partnering organization with the tools, guidance and technical support necessary to ensure the success of each site. In participating in this project, member sites provide the feedback, usage and accessibility information necessary to ensure continued sustainability and growth of the entire network.

ive core sites have been selected because of their prior experience and commitment to providing public use Internet services. The Lethbridge Community College, The University of Lethbridge, the Lethbridge Public Library, City of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Centre Mall form the hub of the network. Twenty-eight additional partners are the backbone of a very strong, dynamic, and sustainable organization. The staff of the Lethbridge Community College, the University of Lethbridge, Shaw Cable System and on-site support of each organization combine to provide a highly skilled training and technical support team. Volunteers and staff from the partner organizations provide a growing computer literacy training program. Sites in Lethbridge are open from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm seven days a week and every effort is made to ensure that all sites and training opportunities are accessible to people with disabilities.

he program has been organized to be self-sustaining at the end of the Industry Canada support period. Ongoing fund-raising activities and the solicitation of additional partners are critical to sustaining the network. One of the current priorities of this project is in providing access to information on low cost housing and on community based health information services. The LCN is actively integrating these information resources into the databases that support the LCN Website, www.lcncap.com. The community sees these programs as special resources in providing people-in-need with opportunities for easy, convenient access to significant and available economic supports.

NETWORK of PARTNERSHIPS

ethbridge as a community has shown an overwhelming interest in this project. The 32 sites comprise representatives from non-profit organizations, agencies, and the business sector. Lethbridge Community Network represents a broad cross-section of the community, including education, arts and culture, libraries, special needs services, support advocacy, social services, and recreational programs. Matching contributions through the provisions of facilities, equipment and human resources are currently in excess of $1 million dollars and continue to grow.

ach site is dedicated to delivering affordable, flexible, and barrier free Internet access to the local community. The diversity of the partners allows the whole network to provide user-friendly Internet access that is available to all segments of our community, based on the broad range of organizational types and the rich diversity of services and population they serve.