They are used to expand mailing list databases. Interactive displays complement staff availability. As agency resources become more scarce, the City of New York Human Resources Administration is expanding its use of interactive terminals to assist social service clients. Interactive terminals are appropriate as a primary or initial contact and cost-effective for answering requests for general information. For specific responses or more detailed information delivery, other public involvement techniques are prob ably required.
Interactive displays can provide printed messages .
Supporting machines record the information requested by a user from the screen and dispense it in printed form. Automatic teller machines are common examples. Rental car agencies provide driving directions to local destina tions on video terminals with full-color maps of selected destination areas. The kiosks are already tapped an average of 60,000 times a month. People of all ages participate.