Patricia Layzell Ward, Library Link Convenor-in-Chief - UK

We read a great deal in the general press about the homeworkers and teleworkers of the 1990s. They may be employed by an organisation which gives them the choice of whether they work at the corporate offices or from home, or, they may be self-employed. The latter group is growing as the number of tasks which were formerly undertaken from within organisations, are outsourced. This trend is likely to continue as many people prefer to work from home saving the costs, time and hassles of commuting; and organisations can save on overheads by encouraging staff to work from home.

Setting up an office at home does generally not present major problems, and most of the costs are recognised for tax relief. But I have encountered a problem recently concerning working from home. Access to a number of electronic resources would be very useful in the daily work of writing and editing in so many ways. The snag that has been hit is that the pricing policies generally seem to be determined on the basis of corporate use, rather than by an individual working in a very small business. The question has been discussed with one provider who was interested and helpful. They suggested that the normal price for their service at around �900 p.a. might be reduced to around �500. But even at this reduction it is not likely to be cost-effective for the use I would make of the service. This is also but one of several that would be useful. The provider approached the question in a positive way considering it as a possible new revenue stream if the market were to be large enough.

Now the interesting question is to determine the likely take-up for such a service.

Given that the number of teleworkers is growing and they would gain benefit from access to electronic and on-line services legally (and I stress this point for some of us could gain access by back door routes) do you have any feedback? Would you be interested in a personal or sole user subscription to a service? Are you a provider with a view on this topic?

My feeling is that this is a new market which could grow in size quickly.

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