Uses of Internet Access in Libraries
Users of Internet Access in Libraries and a web site, may be in a position to offer some of the under mentioned services to their users:
- The basic information relating to the functioning of the library can be provided through the Internet. This gives the users of the library an opportunity to establish direct e-mail links which allows users to send messages;
- New ways of access to library facilities such as remote access to catalogues,
- New information services such as a home page linked to a collection of electronic texts, databases and other Internet resources;
- Interactive home pages offering facilities such as reservation of library material and interlibrary loan and reference questions;
- Links to remote information and connections to information resources around the world.
Mounting web site on WWW does not require expensive or sophisticated equipment. The basic components of a configuration may consist of an appropriate computer running under any operating system to use as a server. Computer systems running under DOS, Windows and UNIX can be used as server for creating WWW documents. Network access dial-up, It is needless to mention that different types of software would be necessary for the purpose. Some of there are mentioned below:
- Server software to operate a server allowing client to interact with the information of your server
- Word-processing software for HTML work
- Gopher software to create images and icons, and
- Scripting and programming software that allows the extension of the interaction between the client and the server.
The best strategy for any library would be to select some high quality sources of high potential interest to users and to make these easily available through the interface. It is also necessary to organise workshops on searching the Internet resources and allow users to develop their own skills in identifying, evaluating and selecting specific resources relevant to their interests.