Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Internet And Reference Services: A Real-World Test Of Internet Utility, Joseph Zumalt, Robert Pasicznyuk

Joseph R. Zumalt

Many libraries now provide Internet access for their patrons and staff or are planning to do so. The push toward Internet access in libraries is proceeding despite the fact that establishing and supporting access is time-consuming, expensive, and fraught with political and policy implications. How useful is the Internet in carrying out the demands of contemporary libraries? Given that library budgets are finite with extreme demands for diversified collections and services, what gains, if any should library professionals expect from the investment in network connectivity? This study seeks to test the Internet's effectiveness at an important facet of library practice-answering …