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The article focuses on the 2019 "Library Journal" Index of Public Library Service based on the most recent findings from the Institute of Museum and Library Services Public Library Survey, Fiscal Year 2017. It discusses the addition of Wireless Fidelity sessions to the measures used to determine the Star Libraries in the U.S. It presents the number of libraries that retained their Star status and of those that lost theirs. It also describes the factors that affect the Star status of libraries.

The article discusses ways in which libraries can use the MySpace platform to communicate with users. Social networking sites represent one of the features of the Web 2.0 trend, with which many argue libraries need to be actively involved. The author discusses the benefits of using MySpace in virtual reference; for example, it gives librarians the opportunity to learn more about their patrons by looking over their profiles. INSET: FACEBOOK: THE PLAYGROUND ON CAMPUS.

The article discusses ways in which libraries often confuse patrons by using professional jargon and designing products and services which are intimidating to users. The author argues that by incorporating aspects of the Web 2.0 revolution (or evolution) libraries can more effectively communicate with patrons and present resources in a more comprehensible way. INSET: DESIGN FOR EXPERIENCE.

Offers a look at OneCleveland, an ultrabroadband technology network platform, that could transform the library's educational role in Ohio. Transition from analog to digital systems; Importance of Internet access for library users; Role of public libraries in providing network connectivity; Role of OneCleveland in collaboration with Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL) in addressing social inclusion through Internet access; Distance education offered by Cleveland State University to subscribers at libraries; Cooperation between the Cleveland Museum of Art and CCPL.

The article examines the dynamic, database-driven website of the Phoenix Public Library (PPL), which sets the standard for library websites. If we ignore the high-end nature of the site for a moment, there is still plenty at which to marvel. What really stands out, especially after talking to some of the people involved with the project, is the attention to how things work, and don't work, on the popular, commercial sites. PPL's web team looked closely at Google, Amazon, and other consumer sites their customers use regularly. Then they applied what they learned, with embellishments, to the delivery of library services. The robust nature of these applications, together with the dynamic nature of the site and the integration of information and services, puts this site head and shoulders above other library web sites. Most of the site was built from scratch. The best off-the-shelf products couldn't deliver the seamless integration that the web team wanted. Even the graphic design was done in-house. Now, the library world will be watching Phoenix Public Library's web team, enhancing library services for their customers while creating a new model for the online library. INSET: Let's Go Shopping.

This article highlights the International Children's Digital Library (ICDL), a joint project of the Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory at the University of Maryland and the Internet Archive in San Francisco, California. The author describes her son's experience reading an online book and reports on the involvement with ICDL among children ages six to eleven.

The article discusses a report by the American Library Association (ALA) related to the demand for computer-related resources in libraries. Increases in the number of computers offered by libraries, the demand for computer access by library users, and the number of libraries offering wireless Internet access in 2008 are described. The report also makes recommendations regarding the provision of e-government resources in libraries.

The article discusses the idea of Web 2.0, which refers to the next generation of Internet-based services. The author argues that in order for libraries to maintain effective levels of services to their patrons, they must incorporate the vaguely defined principles of Web 2.0 by making library resources available on the Web and expanding their "virtual presence."

The article discusses the Vermont FiberConnect Project, an initiative of the Vermont Telecommunications Authority and Sovernet Communications that will bring gigabit Internet service to 43 of the state's rural libraries. Terms negotiated with Sovernet by the Vermont Department of Libraries enable some of the participating libraries to pay as little as $60 per month for the service.

The article discusses how technology librarian Catherine Kiah and intern Brad McKenna at the Robbins Library in Arlington, Massachusetts created an expanded wireless service model by upgrading the wireless network, promoting risk tolerance among the staff, and using a laptop vending machine. Topics include how they funded the project, how patrons reacted to the change, and the role of libraries in closing the digital divide.

The article looks at public libraries in the U.S. as of 2014, focusing on library users and on libraries' efforts to reach out to their communities. It cites a study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project on attitudes about public libraries. Innovative programs created by the public libraries in Traverse City and Ann Arbor, Michigan, are noted, and digital technology and virtual programs are discussed.

The article reports on the expected launch of a pilot program aimed at providing free Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi) hotspots to public school families in three library systems in New York City. The Brooklyn Public Library, the New York Public Library and Queens Library have partnered with Google and Sprint for the program. Five thousand hotspots will be available for qualified applicants.

The article, the first in a series, discusses how librarians can create "music advisory" services for library users, personalized reference services directing users to music sound recordings available at libraries. The creation by the author of such a service at a public library is considered. The use of an online questionnaire to determine music preferences of library users, who were then sent electronic mail messages with links to music which could be downloaded, is examined.

The article reports that the city council of San José, California has voted against installing Internet filters in the San José Public Library to control the exposure of minors to Internet content. The author comments that decision was motivated by cost issues due to the economic recession. The council approved a policy which would require Internet users in libraries to follow library regulations regarding Internet use.

The article announces that the state of Virginia has passed a state version of the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) which requires libraries to use computer filters to block materials that are harmful to minors such as pornography and obscenities. Reportedly, the act does provide for disablement of the filter should a patron make a request.

The article announces that David McMenemy, a British scholar, has been named the 2006 winner of the Elsevier/Library and Information Research Group Award. McMenemy's proposed project involves research into Internet access at public libraries throughout the U.K., which he argues is inconsistent; selective restrictions on Internet use at public libraries have tremendous implications for information access equity.

The article reports on the suspension of plans to install fingertip recognition software on library computers in Naperville, Ill. The stated reason was software incompatibility, although many library and civil liberties groups opposed the idea. The software would have served to identify library users who abused the public terminals.

The article reports that Auto-Graphics has added a book-purchasing component to its AGent platform, which the company confirms will allow "libraries to offer online book-buying functionality to their patrons while sharing in sales revenue." The article describes how library patrons can use the program, which was developed in conjunction with Baker & Taylor.

The article discusses the University of Michigan's program offering free blogs to students and employees. The program is a collaboration of the university library, information technology central services, and the university's Bentley Historical Library. It is a result of interest in developing new methods of publishing.

The article discusses the board of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District (FVRLD) in Washington state and their vote to filter all library computer access for pornography. This would be a violation of the Children's Internet Protection Act which requires libraries to disable filters upon adult request. A case of security harassing adults for viewing Internet pornography in Montgomery County, Maryland is highlighted.

This article discusses efforts by the County of Los Angeles Public Library to screen out sexually explicit material from library computers. The Board of Supervisors directed the library to purchase 445 new computer monitors and allocated funds to improve filtering and reconfigure computer banks. The new monitors will have integrated privacy screens and the computers designated for adults will have a low-level filter to keep out graphic material.

The article reports that the Miami-Dade Public Library in Florida is lending laptop computers to library users. The library features wireless Internet throughout its 40 branches. The San Jose, California, city council has approved the expansion of wireless access to all libraries and parks.

The article discusses the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Rhode Island's problems with filtering software at public libraries in Rhode Island. The Cooperating Libraries Automated Network (CLAN) will allow library users to ask librarians to deactivate the filter when Web sites are blocked. The ACLU is concerned that individual libraries are blocking Web sites beyond those blocked by the CLAN.

Presents a quotation from the article "Google Isn't Everything," by Stephen Manes, found in the August 15, 2005 issue of "Forbes" magazine. Discussion of the range of online information services offered by libraries; Suggestion that libraries advertise their services in their shop windows.

Reports that while nearly all U.S. public libraries offer free access to computers and the Internet as of August 2005, the gains are countered by a lack of workstations to meet demand and funds to pay for connectivity and upgrades. Details of research by the Information Use Management and Policy Institute at Florida State University, commissioned by the American Library Association and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; How the Gates Foundation's Global Libraries program will offer $30 million in grants for hardware replacement at 2000 library systems in the U.S.

Reports that the Naperville Public Library in Illinois will install fingerprint scanners on computers that offer either public Internet access or require a time limit on usage. Report that the scanners will help parents control their children's Internet access; Claim of library deputy director Mark West that the scanners cannot be cross-referenced with law enforcement databases.

This article announces that libraries in the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District (LVCCLD), NV, are now offering ebook downloads using software from OverDrive Inc. Patrons use an LVCCLD library card to check out and download the texts and other digital media. Ebooks can be read on PDAs, Pocket PCs, and Smartphones, in addition to PCs, laptops, or Macs. At the end of the loan period, access to the title is blocked. LVCCLD's ebook collection includes best sellers, classics, fiction and nonfiction, from leading publishers. The e-texts are available in Adobe PDF and Mobipocket formats, and by the end of the year LVCCLD will use the system to deliver audiobooks in Windows Media Audio format.

The article reports on a political debate between the Illinois Family Institute, which is pushing for a law to require filtering software on all public library computers in the state of Illinois, and the Illinois Library Association, which opposes the law. Eight libraries are reported to have shut off their internet services entirely in protest against the proposed law, which they believe is unnecessary and unduly burdensome.