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Q: Why is there so much discussion about the Internet in the media?
A:
With its infinite ability to link patrons to global information, the Internet is, without a doubt, this century's most important information resource-a fact that, in itself, causes a great deal of discussion and debate. This resource is so readily available and easily used that it is generating many of the same problems as non-Internet communications.
Q: If the Internet has problems, why do libraries use it?
A: This library and others use the Internet to provide remote dial-up access from home or office to our web site, where current, valuable information is offered in several online electronic subscriptions - the New York Times, Books in Print, several encyclopedias, the Wall Street Journal and many more. In addition, many publishers, such as the United States Superintendent of Documents, have decided to publish some important documents only on the Internet.
Q: I'm hearing so much about filtering software on the Internet. What is that?
A:
This type of software, which can be loaded onto a computer, "filters" or "screens out" Internet sites with specific words in their descriptions or in the content of the site. Filtering is not fool-proof and may eliminate sites of value.
Q: I want to use the Internet, but I don't necessarily want to see some of those sites I'm hearing about. What can I do?
A:
Libraries are working to help you have a positive experience using the Internet. At BTPL, use the pre-selected sites on our web site and subscription databases on each computer, and review our hand-outs, many of which include web sites on specific topics. In Youth Services, look at the large notebooks of suggested web sites for kids. Try Screened Sites for Kids, including AOL: Netfind for Kids and Searchopolis, available under Kids' Search Tools on the library's home youth page. Visit the Michigan Electronic Library,
a state-funded, pre-selected "online library" of web sites chosen by librarians to answer information needs. Most of all, ask for help. Our librarians will help you use the Internet
successfully. Or check out the several Internet classes every month, where you can learn more about how to use the World Wide Web for information and fun.
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