The core mission of libraries has always centered on making content and related services available to patrons. The form in which that content is delivered has changed continually. The most ancient libraries or archives organized clay tablets or cylinders written in cuneiform. Centuries ago, the transition from scrolls to codices must have been…

Driven by new digital technologies, the future of learning is increasingly interactive, individualized, and full of real-world experiences and information. Unfortunately, the average school has about the same connectivity as the average American home, but serves 200 times as many users, and fewer than 20 percent of educators say their school's…

America needs greater access to broadband Internet to spur economic growth, innovation, and job creation. To date, gains in household broadband take-up are not evenly distributed across all demographic groups or geographic areas. While from 2001 to 2007, the percentage of households in the United States with access to broadband Internet services…

This article presents the results of the 2008 "Library Journal" Budget Survey. Libraries that responded to the annual "Library Journal" Budget Survey are doing reasonably well, continuing the modest growth reported last year. However, a closer look suggests that budget increases may not go far enough. While 81% of all respondents projected an…

Strengthening technology in Louisiana's public libraries will support equitable and convenient access to electronic information resources for all citizens at library sites, in homes, and in business. The plan presented in this document is intended to enhance and expand technology in the state's public libraries. After discussion of the crucial…

Describes survey results that indicate Internet access and connectivity is proceeding rapidly despite the geographical, technical, and financial difficulties faced by Canadian systems with large geographical areas and members from different municipal or county jurisdictions. Discusses funding and using the World Wide Web as a reference tool.…

Describes the Rochester (New York) Public Library's expansion and renovation. Highlights include funding; public relations and marketing plans; access to state-of-the-art technology, including dial-in access; marketing surveys; connecting with local media; involvement of the private sector; and meeting users' heightened expectations for library…

This paper explores the challenges and opportunities facing libraries as they evolve into the electronic networked environment, and looks at options for libraries in the year 2000 and beyond. The internationally networked environment has fundamentally changed the way in which people acquire and use information resources and services. The paper…

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…

Addresses principles of library budgeting and applies them to planning for library computerized services. Ways of anticipating costs and dealing with hidden costs are described. Further discussion focuses on computer upgrades and levels of computer access. Ground rules for coping with budget planning are outlined. (Contains seven references.) (KRN)

A survey of computer hardware and software access, network familiarity, and systems use was conducted to determine the optimum placement of two newly developed electronic Interlibrary Loan (ILL) forms at the Ohio State University Health Sciences Library. A sample of 205 ILL users were mailed a questionnaire, with a resultant 72% (n=148) response…

Describes the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Native American Access to Technology Program (NAATP) and explains how programs were developed in New Mexico tribal libraries. Topics include empowering Native communities through access to digital information resources; the grant process; on-site training; and the importance of collaboration with…

Discusses planning necessary for library media centers that are adding new technology. Highlights include equity and access; selection of an automated system; implementation; placement of hardware, both for patrons and for staff; CD-ROMs and networks; and a case study of the West Windsor-Plainsboro (New Jersey) Middle School. (Contains five…

Historically, libraries have been an important component of the educational process, contributing to the success of the educational mission of schools. Education reform has prompted increased attention to the role school library media centers might play in the expanding role of computer- and technology-based education. However, policymakers have…

Reviews the history of libraries in Swaziland and discusses the introduction of computers in 1974 and Internet access in 1996. Topics include censorship laws that have restricted access; e-commerce; e-mail; obstacles, including limited user access in libraries and lack of computer literacy; and suggestions for extending Internet information…