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Drawing upon findings from a national survey of U.S. public libraries, this paper examines trends in Internet and public computing access in public libraries across states from 2004 to 2006. Based on library-supplied information about levels and types of Internet and public computing access, the authors offer insights into the network-based content and services that public libraries provide. Examining data from 2004 to 2006 reveals trends and accomplishments in certain states and geographic regions. This paper details and discusses the data, identifies and analyzes issues related to Internet access, and suggests areas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information regarding the informal history of digital reference in the U.S. The author infers that the first digital reference transaction is sadly lost to the midst of digital time. Depending on one's definition, the author adds that it was more than likely a one-off message , sent to some library that had early email capability from a user who taught of firing off a question to a librarian on a whim. Several complicated and occasionally frustrating issues arose as services grew and developed and took form.

Purpose — The purpose of this paper is to understand the impact that social networking has had on public and academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach — The paper presents a literature review and commentary on the topic of social networking. Findings — The paper finds that libraries will have to reach users in their preferred methods of communication. Originality/value — The paper shows the value of planning ahead for the future and the ways patrons are accessing information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information regarding the use of virtual reference services (VRS) in a library in the U.S. Libraries have developed VRS to provide efficient and effective reference services to patrons in and out of the library and even to users not in the library's usual service community. According to the guidelines provided by the Reference and Users Services Association (RUSA), virtual or digital reference is a reference service, such as chat, videoconferencing, co-browsing, instant messaging (IM), and voce over Internet protocol (VoIP) or email. The provision of VRS is not limited by location and time, and most VRS are offered outside regular offline hours.