Of special concern are the millions of adults who cannot read, write or use a computer. Nineteen per cent call the library for information. And 17 per cent connect to the Internet at the library. Residents of Orange County, Calif., can obtain copies of birth certificates on the spot at local libraries. The online service eliminates a visit to the recorder's service to place an order and a return visit the next day to pick up the certificate.
Users pay a nominal fee.
Half of these classes are targeted to the local Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Hispanic communities. Many of these libraries offer people with home or office computers the opportunity to dial directly into library computer files. As more and more public libraries log on to the Internet, many are posting World Wide Web pages that combine the professional skills and information savvy of libraries with the speed and scope of the Internet. Like libraries, these Web pages generally have special sections for children, adults and teens. Unlike libraries, they are open 24 hours a day.