| Circulation services and the catalog of holdings are now
automated. There is an excellent website at http://www.roejanlibrary.org
that includes many essential library documents as well as links to other
websites of interest. The library offers high-speed DSL Internet
access to the public during open hours. These resources enhance
the ability of the library to be a gateway to a whole world of
information to its patrons. The library's computers are
networked. There are no computers in the Children's Room.
It should be pointed out that public libraries are the only free (publicly-funded)
Internet access point for many people who do not own a computer, who
cannot afford a computer, who do not have space for a computer, or who
lack interest in or necessary expertise in computer use. Computer
and Internet access have become an expected new role for traditional
public libraries, one that often eliminates study space and places new
strains on limited budgets as well as stresses on electrical service and
wiring and frequently on even the limited electrical service and on the
availability of electrical outlets. |
