All public libraries are linked to enable Internet access, the statewide catalog, and full-text databases of magazine articles. Public libraries are bridging the large divide in West Virginia between those who can and those who can not afford a personal computer and Internet fees. Those in rural areas or with low incomes are more less likely to be without computers and Internet service. A workforce with technology skills would be better prepared to attract new businesses to the state. The Network overcomes geographic barriers to research for West Virginians.
Patrons can go to any library in West Virginia to search for books by subject, title, or author.
The current full-text magazines online represent over 1,000 titles. More information is available in the 550 billion documents on the Internet. The Network team consists of six technicians at the Commission office in Charleston and seven technicians located at sub-hubs across the state. The technicians take care of hardware, software, and the network. This highly trained team travels an average of two weeks per month to serve public libraries.