[719] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
new pub-Public Libs & NREN
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Jean Polly)
Fri Jul 10 13:10:52 1992
Date: Fri, 10 Jul 1992 11:53:08 CDT
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@ricevm1.rice.edu>
From: Jean Polly <polly@lpl.org>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@ricevm1.rice.edu>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Subject: new pub-Public Libs & NREN
"Public Libraries and the Internet/NREN: New Challenges, New Opportunities"
by Dr.Charles R. McClure, Joe Ryan, Diana Lauterbach, and William Moen
July 1, 1992 40 pages
available at $15.00 from:
Publications Office, School of Information Studies, Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY 13244-4100 (315) 443-2911)
This study was supported, in part, by a grant from OCLC.
Dr. McClure sent me a copy of this study, since our library was involved in
one of the focus groups, and we are right down the street. I highly
recommend it as MUST reading for those wondering:
-- if public libraries will survive since networks will deliver library
materials directly to the user.
-- what policy-makers and network planners need to know RIGHT NOW about
issues affecting public libraries' involvement in the networked environment.
-- if public librarians are aware of the reality of the Internet and the
promise of NREN. What are public libraries doing now?
-- what resources are available now and what should be developed for use by
public libraries?
-- what are the challenges and issues faced by public libraries exploring
new technologies?
Literature review, surveys, focus groups, and site visits were all a part of
this highly readable and insightful study, which includes a list of
references and copies of all survey instruments used.
Also, my article "Surfing the Internet" appears in the June Wilson Library
Bulletin, available at an analog library near you.(yes, I'm working on an
ftp version)
It describes our public library's use of the net over the past year, and
lists sources of information on: using the net, finding discussion lists,
interesting telnet sites, and more.
If you're reading this you probably DON'T need the info in the article, but
it is meant as an intro to the topic for folks not yet on the net. There is
also a section on how to get connected.
Jean Armour Polly INTERNET: polly@LPL.ORG or polly@nysernet.org
Liverpool Public Library OTHER: polly@well.sf.ca.us
Liverpool NY USA VISION: "Don't postpone joy!"
Never underestimate the bandwidth of a minivan full of CD-ROMs.
