We have a five-year lease. The MLIN web site will look quite different beginning Jan 2, 1999. Among the changes, you will see easy to use navigation aids, a comprehensive site map, a new internal search engine, clearer distinction between documents intended for the public verses those intended for librarians, more documentation, and more frequent updating. The virtual catalog steering committee is continuing to identify standards and protocols, and is developing a framework for funding a pilot project. Discussions are ongoing regarding Contemporary Authors and the Boston Globe.
Prospects look good.
Rob Maier then presented some information on the Massachusetts Community Network Project which is looking to provide low cost, high bandwidth Connections to the Internet. This is a project of the Department of Education. Rob was encouraging about the possibilities of the project and impact on libraries. M W was selected. Jeff Smith seconded.