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The article discusses the data collected from the selection of the two groups such as the members of the nonprofit organization Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and the 25 largest public libraries in the U.S., regarding the library websites and discovery services. Topics discussed include the list of libraries participated in the study which was based on fact sheet, and the percentages of the ARL member libraries and large public libraries that present their main website.

Chapter 3 examines differences in ILS satisfaction by library type (public vs. academic) and size. Satisfied libraries praise quality customer service; dissatisfied ones mention a variety of issues, including business direction, ILS functionality, customer service problems, and cost. Chapter 3 also examines trends over time for both satisfaction and interest in open source, and speculates on reasons behind these trends. Finally, it examines the relationship between company loyalty and future migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides an analysis of the use of Second Life virtual world by public libraries. The libraries examined include Cleveland Public Library in Cleveland, Ohio, Glenview Public Library in Glenview, Illinois, and Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library in Presque Isle, Maine. Reasons that public libraries should consider a virtual world like Second Life include the ability and the opportunity to attract users from a wide range of audience and the opportunity to offer services the library might not be able to offer. The author stresses the need for librarians to think critically about the resources and events they will be able to offer and the benefits the library will gain from Second Life.

The article presents lessons from the Public Library Connectivity Study of the Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP). According to 58% of public libraries in the U.S., their Internet connectivity speed was insufficient in 2007. This has been attributed to the increased demand for public library Internet access and bandwidth requirement for supporting current Internet applications and services. The study revealed that both library users and staff were affected by the inadequate bandwidth provided.

The article discusses key findings from the 2007-2008 Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study (PLFTAS). The survey team used a sample and replacement strategy, inducing 96% of the U.S. libraries that were sampled to respond. Results showed that 98.9% of public library branches offer public Internet while 72.5% report that they are the only ones to provide free public computer and Internet access in their communities. An average of 12 public access workstations has been posted, increasing from 10.7 in 2006-2007.