Free Internet Access For Census

Dunedin (Monday, 21 February, 2011) –

The Dunedin Public Libraries have joined forces with the ‘Computers in Homes’ digital literacy programme to provide community Census sites, where people can complete their 2011 Census online, with support at hand.

Councillor Chris Staynes, who chairs the Dunedin branch of ‘Computers in Homes’ says, “These centres will provide support for those who wish to complete their census online and do not have computers at home, have language difficulties, or perhaps simply do not have the digital skills they need.”

Sites in Dunedin are: all Dunedin Public Libraries (Moray Place, Mosgiel, Port Chalmers, Blueskin Bay and Waikouaiti); Forbury, College Street, Calton Hill, and Brockville Schools; the Otago Polytechnic; and the Kokiri Training Centre. Both the Census paper forms and Internet Access Code must be brought to the site to enable completion of the Census online.

The City Library will have at least two dedicated computer workstations, with the one on the Ground Floor linked to the Aotearoa People's Network Kaharoa (APNK) free internet service. While the computers at the community libraries will not be dedicated to use by those completing the Census, they are also connected to the APNK service.

‘Computers in Homes’ staff are recruiting volunteers to provide technical support to those who use the sites. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact ‘Computers in Homes’ Project Manager, Janine Moore or register at www.steppingup.org.nz.

Dunedin Public Libraries Head of Customer Services, Mike Collett says “The volunteers will be on hand to provide assistance as needed. The Census asks for private information so we certainly won’t be looking over people’s shoulders.”

The sites will be fully staffed on Census day, Tuesday 8 March, with a reduced service in the week prior.

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