SERVICE CONNECTS CITY LIBRARY WITH THE WORLD

The Cape Girardeau Public Library is one of 20 in Missouri chosen for a pilot project by the Missouri State Library.

REAL, or Researching Electronic Access for Libraries, provided a grant for Internet service for the local library. The Friends of the Library purchased the necessary hardware and phone line.

Internet, one of the newest telecommunications developments, links millions of computers across the world on one system.

Through the system, researchers can look at a full-color picture of an ancient mask on display at the Smithsonian. They can access an article about photographer Ansel Adams from a computer in New York.

While the system isn't designed for access by the general public, library administrator Elizabeth Ader said the goal of library staff was to use Internet to help patrons more effectively.

"This is one more avenue we can use to provide information to the public," she said. "If we can't find what the patron needs through customary resources, this will enhance our ability to find the information he wants."

Two library employees, adult services coordinator Betty Martin and youth services coordinator Tasha Saecker spent three days in Columbia receiving training for Internet.

They will continue to receive free support from Internet as long as the grant money is there.