The use and importance of the Internet in literature‐based services in children's libraries

Abstract

This paper explores some of the issues surrounding the development of Internet services in public library children's services. It notes that IT services have generally been undeveloped in children's libraries and that this trend must not continue with networked computer services. It recognises that the lack of net‐worked computer service provision in children's libraries may lead to them seeming ‘irrelevant’ and ‘old fashioned’ to their users. The paper focuses on literature and literacy issues in relation to information and communication technology (ICT). It notes that few libraries have been using ICT to support their literature‐based services. One possible service model for the integration of ICT into literature services, UKOLN's Treasure Island Web site, is described and the results of an evaluation of it interpreted. The paper concludes looking forward to the Stories From the Web project which will develop the Treasure Island model further.

Citation

Ormes, S. (1998), "The use and importance of the Internet in literature‐based services in children's libraries", The Electronic Library, Vol. 16 No. 6, pp. 379-385. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb045665