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This article discusses the increase in patron use of library internet access for e-government needs. It asserts that libraries face ongoing challenges as the E-government Act of 2002 includes public libraries as part of its initiative but offers nothing in compensation for the increase in librarian responsibilities. As library resources are stretched, a call for new policy is suggested. INSET: STUDY APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY.

The article discusses the proceedings of the Public Library Association Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in March 2008. Leonard Souza, leader of of Acidblue Limited, presented a talk on the use of technology by libraries. Dominican University professor Michael Stephens discussed the use of Web 2.0 by library users. It is noted that 99 percent of U.S. public libraries have Internet access.

The article reports that an attempt to create a state-level version of the U.S. Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) is unlikely to pass in the spring 2007 session of the Illinois Legislature. Librarians and Illinois Library Association Director Bob Doyle argue that filtering should be handled locally, and on May 14, 2007 protested by turning library filters to full power or turning off computers completely. Advocates say librarians exaggerate the harm of Internet filters.

The article reports on May 2007 actions at certain Illinois public libraries in protest of proposed library Internet filter legislation being considered by the Illinois House of Representatives. The author reports that passage of the bill would force public libraries to filter all computers, provide an adult companion for any minor requiring unfiltered access for research, and attest to compliance in writing in order to qualify for state aid and grant funds.

The author reports that fugitives using library computers to access MySpace were caught by the police. Brandon Lee Bigsby, a sex offender in violation of his parole, was arrested at Kern County Library's Beale Memorial Library in Bakersfield, California. Darren Bates, wanted on charges of auto theft, escaping from jail, home invasion, and sexual assault was arrested at the Free Library of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania.

The editorial discusses the U.S. House of Representative's approval of the misguided "Deleting Online Predators Act" (DOPA) and the effect this will have on federal E-rate funding for public libraries. The author notes that the very libraries who depend on E-rate funds are the ones which serve communities with the greatest need for public Internet access. The author urges readers to fight against U.S. Senate approval of DOPA lest the digital divide grow larger.

The article reports that despite the American Library Association's (ALA) opposition to the Deleting Online Predators Act, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the bill in July 2006. ALA does not support the legislation because it imposes Internet access restrictions on public terminals in libraries.

The article reviews the book "The Skeptical Business Searcher: The Information Advisor's Guide to Evaluating Web Data, Sites, and Sources," by Robert Beckman.

The article reviews the book "Web Accessibility: Practical Advice for the Library and Information Professional," edited by Jenny Craven.

The article reviews the book "Breaking the Mold: Innovative Libraries and Programs."