Journal 1 July 2002 Sarah Andrews
Is it important for a library to have a presence on the web? I would say yes, and I actually believe it is more important for small/rural/poorly-funded libraries to have one. For a small library, the web can be a sort of equalizer. Small libraries cannot purchase as many resources for their patrons, but they can provide mediated access to free web content for them. Much US governmental information is available on the web if you know where to look. National Academy Press currently lists 2500 books you can read online at no cost (http://www.nap.edu/). A small library could add these books to their catalog of available electronic resources, or add a link to a list of available web resources.
Libraries with a web page could also accept web based patron inquiries. Even if the library had limited hours, remote patrons could query the library at their convenience. Even the most sophisticated web searchers may not know effective web searching techniques, and any sized library could provide basic tips on a website. For example, I bet many people in our class don’t know about “”:and + - in a Google search.
Furthermore, libraries are a place of lifelong learning—a place Americans have counted on as a place to explore interests or learn new skills. Many people probably come to the library expecting to learn how to use computers, or to “see” what is available on the web. Librarians who are unable (or unwilling?) to keep up with the current technologies will no longer be able to provide services demanded by the public. By keeping a current web page, a library or librarian can demonstrate their technological skills as well as showcase library initiatives and programs.