Public access to the Internet and computers is transforming public libraries into de facto e-government access points, for such disparate services as disaster relief, Medicare drug plans, and even benefits for children and families. This new role for public libraries is not just user-initiated. Government agencies now refer people to public…

Describes the Libraries Online program by Microsoft and the American Library Association that provides low-income communities with access to online information by wiring public libraries to the Internet. Highlights activities at the Brooklyn Public Library and discusses earlier pilot projects, including the Technology Resource Institute for Public…

Describes the mobile library service in Memphis/ Shelby County (Tennessee) that was designed to meet the needs of non-English speaking residents. Discusses identifying target populations; funding; technology to provide access to the Internet; English as Second Language and multicultural Web sites; and cellular digital packet data (CDPD) and…