56 Internet Resources for Libraries

This voluminous work can be handled in a smooth manner in a much less time by
the application of barcoding, one of the simplest coding technologies available in the
market. The speed of data capture is three times faster than the speed at which a skilled
data entry operator can input data' and also the error rate is negligibly small2. The
barcode technology originated out of the need of retail stores and big industries to
track down their inventory errors in a faster way. Due to the cheap human labour
available in our country, the estimated barcoding market was a mere 12 crores in 1995-
96', out of which libraries and miscellaneous services accounted for only 1 crore.
Libraries need to adopt this technology as it helps retrieve and collect data quickly and
efficiently.
Internet Resources for Libraries 57

3
Library Networking

Introduction
Libraries are at the forefront of providing no-fee Internet access to the public. In
1994, just 8.2 percent of public libraries provided this service; as of 2009, 100 percent
of libraries do so. While this is a vital role in every community, the library is the only
source of no-fee public Internet access in 71 percent of communities.
The core mission of libraries is to connect people with ideas and information.
Internet access makes it possible for libraries to fulfill this mission through online
resources that can, for example, help people find jobs, improve their skills, access
government services, create small businesses, complete school homework, and conduct
research. Libraries have reported high demand for Internet access; indeed, in the
majority of libraries, the demand for publicaccess computers far outweighs the supply.
As demand for public access to the Internet grows, so, too, does the need for higher
bandwidth in the library.
In some communities, libraries play the important role of broadband anchor
institution; in other words, by obtaining high-bandwidth connections, they drive the
deployment of advanced technologies to communities that might be unable to obtain
that level of service through residential demand alone.
In short, libraries that are able to meet the demand for no-fee public Internet
access play a vital role in serving both their users and their communities. To help
libraries achieve this capability, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation initiated the
Opportunity Online Broadband Grant Programme. This programme provides funding
and support to help State Library agencies in seven states—Massachusetts, New York,
Virginia, Arkansas, Kansas, California, and Texas—develop leadership and improve
library connectivity to the Internet. The American Library Association’s Office for
Information Technology Policy (OITP) is participating in this programme, providing
research and consulting services to state libraries, as well as developing publications
that address key issues salient to the program’s goals. The purpose of this publication
is to provide a snapshot of five different library networks that provide users with no-
fee Internet access.