[1049] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Public Library use of Internet
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Marc Sobel)
Tue Aug 25 13:18:20 1992
Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1992 12:01:20 CDT
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@ricevm1.rice.edu>
From: Marc Sobel <0005109588@mcimail.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@ricevm1.rice.edu>
Please reply to the author, not PACS-L. Thanks, Jill
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
I am a member of the Library Board for the Keller Public
library in Keller Texas. We are beginning to investigate providing
access to the Internet to our patrons in the future. Keller is
a growing town of 14,000 located within the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
Our view of a library is that it provides access to information.
Given the amount of information available on the Internet, access to it is
a logical candidate for a public library.
I am looking for advice on, experience with, or opinions on providing such
a service. I am interested in any policies developed.
For example, one model is a public access "bulletin board". Obvious
questions include (1) developing "navigational" skills through the Internet
on the library staff or in the patron population,
(2) control or lack of control over the wide breadth of opinion, interests,
and material on the Internet (I am including USENET and other networks
linked to the Internet), (3) local or remote access (at the library or from
home to an access facility supported by the library) (4) charging or funding
the service (5) technical support
Please reply to either me via E-mail, to Lisa Eason, Director Keller Library
640 Johnson Rd, Keller Tx, 76248, or to the LISTSERVER if you feel it
useful for general discussion. I will accumulate all responses and make
them available if there is sufficient interests.
