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March 2000 LibraryNet Monthly TABLE OF CONTENTS
CANADIAN CONSUMERS ONLINE STUDYCanadians use the Internet in strikingly similar ways to Americans, but very differently than people in large European countries, according to a recent consumer technology study by PricewaterhouseCoopers. Within Canada itself, there are wide variations in Internet use between Québec and other provinces. In October of last year, PricewaterhouseCoopers commissioned the Canadian Consumer Technology Study to investigate the extent and purpose of the use of the Internet in Canadian homes. The questionnaire was an almost exact duplicate of one used earlier in the US, UK, France and Germany, allowing for the opportunity to put Canadian adoption of new technologies in a global perspective. Canadians with home Internet access equal Americans at 43%, compared with 24% in the United Kingdom, 18% in Germany and only 10% in France. Some 20% of Canadians responding to the survey who did not currently have Internet access said they intend to subscribe within the next 12 months, which would bring a majority of Canadians (54%) on-line within a year. Within Canada, the survey highlights unique uses and adoption rates among Quebec consumers compared with the rest of Canada. In Quebec, only 29% of survey respondents said they have Internet access at home, compared with 48% in the rest of Canada. The Quebec population actually used the Internet more than other Canadians for banking and investing, and for downloading music or videos. Conversely, Quebec consumers use the Internet less for accessing government services. The primary reason for Internet access in Quebec is for research or getting information (42% vs. 31% for the balance of Canadians). In the rest of Canada, 43% of respondents said the primary reason for accessing the Internet is e-mail - opposed to 24% in Quebec. What's important to Internet consumers? Canadians are most concerned with speed. Almost one-third of Canadians said faster, more reliable access would prompt them to spend more time on the Internet (similar to the US), while Europeans, as a whole, are more concerned with cost. To read the
complete report in PDF format: MORE PUBLIC ACCESS FOR MANITOBANSOn March 7, a federal-provincial agreement was announced that will contribute up to $11.1 million to quadruple the number of public Internet access sites in Manitoba, including 200 new sites in Winnipeg. The agreement, to be facilitated through Manitoba's Community Connections program, will increase the number of CAP sites in Manitoba from 146 to 586, including 20 branches of the Winnipeg Public Library. The announcement was made at Winnipeg's West Broadway Neighbourhood Centre, which was established as Manitoba's first urban CAP site in a 1997 demonstration project. "Our site is clearly playing a role in the revitalization of a disadvantaged community," said Paul Chorney, President of the Centre's Board of Directors. "Strong demand, especially among youth at risk, has led us to increase our computers from eight to 15 and improve accessibility by moving the site from the basement to the main floor." As a result of this agreement, institutions such as libraries, schools, community centres, and friendship centres in a given area will work together on issues such as choosing a Community Access site's location and hours, determining the on-line information needs of clients and making the information accessible to the public. This expands the concept of a Community Access site to that of a community resource network. For more
information, visit the redesigned CAP website: Or contact: ALA PUBLISHES BOOK ON INTERNET ADAPTIVE TECH"Your mission is to make your resources available to the entire community. You've built your ramp at the front steps and opened your doors to people with disabilities. So much of your resources come off the network. Can people with disabilities access the electronic information resources you make available to other library users?" This is the question posed by a new book on providing access to the information highway for disabled people, "Adaptive Technology for the Internet: Making Electronic Resources Accessible to All." The book offers information and advice on such technologies as screen readers, Braille screens, voice recognition systems, hearing assistance devices, and HTML coding for accessibility. In addition to product descriptions, it covers infrastructure issues such as funding and staff training. A directory of adaptive technology programs in U.S. libraries can help you network with colleagues for support. Author Barbara Mates is head of the Cleveland Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, a part of the Cleveland Public Library and is the author of another book, entitled "Library Technology for Visually and Physically Impaired Patrons". She co-authored her new book with Doug Wakefield and Judith Dixon, who are adaptive technology experts. To purchase
this book online through ALA: CANADIAN PORTALS BATTLE HEATS UPAt the basic level a portal site provides access to a structured collection of information resources; the important distinction being "structured." The archetypal portal is Yahoo!, with its hierarchical array of indexed web sites. Another important element is the selective collection of information - rather than just providing access to the entire web, a portal should take responsibility for providing quality content. In the consumer market, the definition of "portal" is broadened to include sites which provide a comprehensive collection of information and/or entertainment resources. Excite launched its Canadian-content portal last month, the newest player in a field that so far includes Canoe.ca, Canada.com and Sympatico.ca. Other American-based sites, such as AltaVista and Yahoo!, have Canada-specific search engines and directories, although they generally lack unique Canadian content. Excite.ca president Peter O'Brien believes that developing local content will be key, especially as competition grows. Canoe.ca, for example, has its own reporting staff and access to the Sun chain of newspapers. It also subscribes to The Canadian Press, as do Sympatico and Canada.com. Excite.ca's Canadian content will come from sources such as The Canadian Press, Quicken.ca (financial software), Tribune Media Services (entertainment and TV listings), Tribute (movie listings), and WeatherLabs (local Canadian weather). Access Canada is part of the Federal Government's Connecting Canadians strategy. It will present Canadian citizens, businesses and organizations, communities and governments with an innovative way to put the Internet to work for them. It will do this by providing access to a wealth of Canadian information, products and services. People will be able to customize their own personal portals to suit their individual needs and preferences. Access.ca will enable them to communicate with friends and relatives with private e-mail, find local information and resources, learn or explore various topics - particularly Canadian ones, search for job openings or business opportunities, read about the local or national news and weather, locate local and national shopping venues, or connect with government agencies and local community services. For more
information: CANADA SKATES INTO TOP INFORMATION SOCIETY RANKINGSThe annual Information Society Index (ISI) measures where various countries and regions of the world stand with respect to information technology development. Prepared for The WorldPaper by World Times and the International Data Corporation, ISI 2000 reveals that, in digital terms, rich and poor countries are getting richer, but that while all societies are benefitting from the information revolution's rising tide, they are advancing at widely diverging rates. The ISI tracks 55 countries, divided into four groups called Skaters, Striders, Sprinters and Strollers. Skaters are those countries where telecommunications, computer, Internet and social infrastructures are well established and distributed among business, government and individual users. Newly arrived in the Skaters group are Canada, Australia, Japan, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Germany, which jumped up from Striders status in the past year. The 55 countries covered in the ISI account for 97% of global GDP and 99% of expenditures on information technology. The remaining countries of the world, with 40 percent of global population and only 4 percent of global GDP, account for less than 1 percent of all global expenditures on information technologies. The gap between the 55 ISI countries and these Starter countries constitutes a digital divide, a great challenge for those who think that the Information Revolution should help propel these poorest societies into the 21st century. For the complete
ISI rankings: NEW UK INFORMATION POLICY URGEDBritain is closer to becoming an information society, but still lacks overall policy and co-ordination which will add value to the initiatives that are taking place, according to the UK Library & Information Commission's (LIC) new policy statement "Keystone for the Information Age: a National Information Policy for the UK." This revised and updated document was prepared for the 'Keystone for the Information Age' conference, which took place at the British Library March 16 and 17. Building on the LIC's original policy goals of connectivity, content and competence, the document calls for a strategic approach to the creation of information networks, as well as for full interoperability, free access to core information and the development of universal information literacy. The LIC calls on the British Cabinet Office to continue its lead. "To deliver the required degree of co-ordination," it says, "the Cabinet Office should secure the development and implementation of a full National Information Policy." Meanwhile the new Museums, Libraries & Archives Council can advise and assist, and could act as a focal point for issues arising out of the policy as it is implemented and reviewed. The UK Library & Information Commission was established in 1995 to be a national focus of expertise in the field of library and information services. Its core objectives are to provide a single, coherent and efficient source of advice to government on all issues in the field, to draw its attention to emerging trends and suggest appropriate responses to them, and to provide all advice on the basis of as full a process of consultation as possible. To read the
full text of the document: SINGAPORE TO COMBAT DIGITAL DIVIDEThe Singapore government has developed an "Infocomm21" plan which aims to develop Singapore as one of the top five information societies in the world. Through the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA), it has committed $25 million over the next three years to promote the use of computers and the Internet, and to bridge the local digital divide through efforts focusing on ethnic minorities, late adopters and those in low- income groups. 30,000 low-income households will be offered a used PC bundled with free Internet access and basic training. Free broadband access will be provided at public Internet kiosks in community centers and clubs. A program involving early adopters of technology who volunteer as guides to late adopters in their use of Internet applications will be expanded to provide at least 2,500 "e-Ambassadors." The Singapore Government Network Information Centre (SGNIC) will give every citizen over the age of five a free personal email address and web site. The IDA will also work with industry and community groups to develop relevant Internet content in Chinese, Malay and Tamil. Other plans may include introducing tax incentives for e-commerce firms. Figures from a 1999 IT household survey conducted in Singapore show that the national rate of PC ownership is 59%, while Internet penetration is 42%. For more
information: LIBRARYNET MARKS INFORMATION RIGHTS WEEKApril 3-10, 2000 is Information Rights Week in Canada and this year's theme, "Information Matters; Evaluate it before you use it," is designed to focus public attention on ways to assess the integrity and reliability of information resources. Librarians know that accuracy, authenticity, objectivity and currency are key considerations in the validation of information resources, especially the plethora of new web sites which appears daily. In recognition of Information Rights Week and librarians' year-round efforts to provide useful resources, LibraryNet is highlighting its page of links to resources designed to help librarians evaluate and select the very best of Internet resources for their patrons and themselves. Check out
LibraryNet's "Evaluating Internet Resources" page at: For more
information on Information Rights Week: RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY LOANING E-BOOKSIn February, the Richmond (BC) Public Library became the first public library in North America to lend out e-books. The pilot project currently has four e-books available, with a waiting list of patrons. The e-books, which are the size of a large DayTimer and weigh about a kilogram each, are capable of storing up to twelve average-length titles. The library chooses the texts loaded onto the e-books, such as the latest issues of Time magazine and the New York Times, but there are plans to allow patrons to download the titles they prefer in the future. E-books can be borrowed for two weeks, and patrons must provide a signed credit card imprint as a deposit due to their high replacement cost (around $700 each). NEW ONLINE COURSES FROM UNIVERSITY OF TORONTOCertificate
in Genealogical Studies The registration fees are $50 per course (including mailed print materials). For more
information or to register: Internet
Competitive Intelligence For more
information on these courses or to register: GUARDIAN ARTICLE SALUTES PUBLIC LIBRARIESOn March 4, the British newspaper The Guardian published a piece by Jonathan Glancey applauding the re- emergence of the "showpiece library" in Britain. "The good old public library, it seems, is back in vogue," says Glancey, taking the opening of the new Peckham Library and Information Centre in south-east London as his starting point. A comprehensive look at UK public libraries today, the article provides a brief overview of their history, statistics on their use, an extended discussion of the architecture of these public meeting places, and anecdotes from users which illustrate the importance of libraries in everyday life. Glancey's conclusion that the public library is an essential civic institution due for a renaissance of importance makes for entertaining and inspiring reading for any library-lover. To read the
complete article: CANADA'S DIGITAL COLLECTIONS COMPETITION DEADLINECanada's Digital Collections (CDC) brings together a wealth of on-line resources about Canada's history, geography, science, technology and culture. One of the largest sources of Canadian content on the Internet, CDC houses 350 web sites created by more than 2000 young Canadians working under contract to Industry Canada. CDC contracts with Canadian libraries, museums, archives, and other organizations to hire teams of youth 15 to 30 years of age to digitize material and create innovative multimedia web sites, giving young people in the community an opportunity to acquire marketable information technology and business skills while learning about their country. Every community has its own treasures - its history, photographs and stories. If you have a proposal for a new web site, consider applying to an upcoming CDC competition. Closing dates are April 3, July 2 and October 1, 2000. For information
on how to submit a proposal or to view the collections: For more
information: GUIDES TO CREATING E-TEXTS AND DIGITAL IMAGESThe Oxford Text Archive has just published "Creating and Documenting Electronic Texts" online. This new resource takes users through the basic steps involved in creating and documenting an electronic text or similar digital resource. (A printed version will be published by Oxbow Books later this year.) The guide is intended as a reference work for individuals and organizations involved with, or planning, the digitization of texts or similar material. As electronic texts are not limited to a specific discipline, genre, period, or language, the guide aims to recommend good practice and standards that are relevant to a variety of projects. It also includes a glossary and a bibliography of recommended reading. The guide
is now available online at: For more
information: "Creating and Documenting Electronic Texts" was the first of two guides created by the Oxford Text Archive as part of a series aiming to provide guidance about applying recognized good practice and standards to the creation and use of digital resources in the arts and humanities. The second guide, "Creating Digital Resources for the Visual Arts," was published by the Visual Arts Data Service, which provides, preserves and promotes high quality digital resources in the visual arts. The guide is intended primarily to introduce new users of technology to its applications, and to provide guidance on issues such as creating digital images, copyright, project management, storage and preservation, and specialized formats for the visual arts. Bibliographic links and a glossary of terms are also included. "Creating
Digital Resources for the Visual Arts" is available online at: For more
information: CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENTSCanadian
Library Association 55th Annual Conference The CLA (Canadian Library Association) holds an annual conference for Canadian library staff allowing them to explore various issues of relevance to Canadian libraries and allowing them to network with colleagues from across the country. The theme of the conference is "Reading the Past - Writing the Future" and will focus on emerging trends in information services over a broad spectrum. A selection of workshops focuses on various aspects of the Internet and libraries and include topics ranging from evaluating web content, web-based courses, Internet use, and digital libraries. For more
information or to register: Re-Creating
Reference: Information Services and the New Technologies It's just not the same old reference service anymore! As new technologies increase library and end-user access to information, reference/information service must evolve to reflect the changing needs and expectations of users and librarians alike. How will the role of the librarian change and evolve? How will organizational structure evolve to best serve these new models? What about distance reference? What skills will be needed? How can we best utilize the new technologies? At this daylong look into the future of reference services and its role for librarians and users, four speakers will share their experience and expertise to help you plan for the future. The registration deadline is May 26, 2000, and the cost (including refreshments, lunch and session materials) is US$95 for Nylink members, US$125 for non-members. For more
information or to register: SCHOLARLY E-PUBLISHING BIBLIOGRAPHYThe Scholarly Electronic Publishing Bibliography's twenty-ninth revised edition (current as of February 16, 2000) has just been released. This selective bibliography presents over 1,100 articles, books, electronic documents, and other sources that are useful in understanding scholarly electronic publishing efforts on the Internet and other networks. The Bibliography is available in three formats: HTML, PDF, and Word 97. The HTML document is designed for interactive use, with live links to sources available on the Internet. It can also be can be searched using Boolean operators. The PDF and Word files are designed for printing. (Each file is over 290 KB.) To view the
bibliography in any format: NEW BULLETINS AND MAILING LISTS FOR LIBRARIANSThe Lettre du bibliothécaire québécois (LBQ) is a bimonthly email newsletter addressed to librarians and other information professionals. It pulls together news stories and websites on topics such as search engines, data bases, information providers, and electronic publications, with an emphasis on resources from Québec. To read back
issues of the LBQ or to subscribe: A new discussion list for librarians and information specialists serving visually impaired people, "lis-vip," has just been launched by the UK National Library for the Blind. Lis-vip carries the latest news about advances in library services for visually impaired people. Share best practices, get answers to questions, and discuss new developments with other information professionals who serve the visually impaired. To subscribe
to lis-vip: E-access Bulletin is a new monthly newsletter produced by the British Royal National Institute for the Blind, with further support from the UK National Library. It covers all issues relating to the use of information and communications technology by blind and visually impaired people. To subscribe to E-access Bulletin, send a message with the subject subscribe eab to eab@headstar.com. You can list other email addresses to subscribe in the body of the message. SIGN UP FOR LIBRARY CARDS ONLINEThe Los Angeles Public Library now accepts online applications for library cards. The simple process requires completing an online form, then reading and agreeing to a "Statement of Responsibility." Patrons can pick up their new library card at any branch within 30 days of their online sign-up upon showing identification. The Anne Arundel County Public Library in Annapolis, Maryland was one of the first public libraries in the United States to offer this service. The Richmond Public Library in Richmond, B.C., was the first public library in Canada to offer this service, which they introduced in the summer of 1999. To view the
online applications: If
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