The Cybrarian Project: myguide
What is myguide?
myguide is a new online facility to provide a 'radically simple' way of using the Internet. It will act as a companion to give people step-by-step support and guidance. This will consist of an uncluttered interface that people can personalise to suit their needs and tastes, an equally simple and intuitive email facility, and support in searching for information and using services of interest to them.
This project was previously known as the `Cybrarian Project’.
Why is the Department launching myguide?
The Internet is fast becoming a part of our every day lives, influencing how we work, learn, communicate and even shop. But there are many who still do not or cannot use it because for them the Internet is not accessible, and certainly not encouraging and engaging to use. And so they miss out on the many economic, employment and social opportunities that it brings.
Research and consultation showed that the market was not going to meet the needs of these people coherently and effectively. Therefore, the Department, working with a wide range of stakeholders, undertook to fill the gap. In doing this it hopes to support wider participation in e-learning but also wider use of online information and facilities across the public service, especially through Directgov.
Who is myguide for?
There are about 16m people who potentially have a need for such a facility. They include:
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people with physical or cognitive disabilities;
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older people;
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those with specific cultural needs;
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those with low basic skills;
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those who do not yet see the benefit of the Internet for them.
A range of stakeholder organisations have helped to shape the project, bringing particular expertise and their knowledge of the needs of the above groups; for example, Age Concern, the Disabled Living Foundation, RNIB and RNID to name but a few.
How will people access myguide?
There will be a 'self-service' facility, myguide.gov.uk, which people can use from wherever they have access to the Internet. But for those without access and/or who need a helping hand, they will be able to use one of the network of UK Online Centres in their area. Some of the stakeholder organisations will also help deliver the facilities to their client groups. And because the solutions will be 'open source' they will be available to be mainstreamed in the services of any organisation in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
When will myguide be launched?
The Department has contracted with Ufi to manage the delivery of myguide, and the project is now at national rollout stage. A six-month pilot was carried out March 06 - September 2006. The project has received Ministerial approval in April 2007 for a national rollout in England.
You can post any questions about the myguide service to myguide@ufi.com
