finding info on the Web (fwd)

[C. W. Tazewell]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 4 Dec 1995 16:30:32 -0800
From: Sally Fagan - Davenport College, Holland <fagans at mlc.lib.mi.us>

On Mon, 4 Dec 1995, Bill Crosbie wrote:
> 
> So my question is - What is being done with this tool to assist people to
> get to information today?  Is anyone putting together a set of web based
> tools to teach people how to effectively search for information?  Are they
> on-line and in "final" format?  Could you point me to the URL?
> > 
On the other hand, a magazine article about searching databases/services 
once began, "How many times has someone told you there's an 
incredible amount of great information on the net, but that he or she can't 
find any of it?"

Steve Cramer, Davenport College of Business, Holland MI
fagans at mlc.lib.mi.us

 --------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, Anyway ---

               The Virtual Library and The Future 

Howdy,
     It's less than five years to the year 2000.  The Information
Superhighway is developing rapidly.  It's time now to get ready to
get a piece of the action.
     In (or before) 2000 there will be fiber optic cable to many 
businesses and homes.  One channel will be the Virtual Library - a  
24-hour Internet WWW Channel.  This will be a primary source of 
multimedia data, news, information and services of all kinds.
     The Virtual Library will be a 2-way window to the world.  It will
bring in material from all parts of the planet.  But, importantly, it
will furnish the local info to the rest of the world.  It will be the
main source for disseminating this local info.  This local data must
be in a central place so it will be readily available to the rest of
the globe.
     There is a need for setting up pilot projects leading towards the 
24-hour fiber-optic virtual library concept.  The Virtual Library of
Hampton Roads is a prototype of the 21st-century Virtual Library.
     The ultimate result must be convenient and easy to use.  The WWW has 
tremenduous possibilities, but needs a dedicated and knowledgeable person 
to use it effectively.  The average person doesn't have the time, 
patience, or interest to become an expert Web Surfer.  The Internet needs
to be as much as possible like the present TV remote control - 
point, click and go.  The Virtual Library is the answer.  Check it out.
     Soon the Internet and other online services will be part of the 
entertainment, work or study center, which will include complete 
integration of the present TV, stereo, VCR, telephone, etc.  These will
all work thru the microcomputer.
     More and more people are adapting to the graphical concept of 
learning.  This is because of the use and influence of television and 
video games.  Young people will readily adapt to the multimedia
presentations on the Internet.  This is very different from reading and 
books.  Reading and books will still have an important place, but may 
become secondary.  It is like the changes made by radio, televison,
cable, etc.  We still have radio along with television.
     As any new concept is utilized, the others may remain in a different
and secondary role.  Humans learned from visual observation for millions 
of years before books and reading.
     Librarians will be very important.  They will assist with reference 
questions and problems.  They will search, organize and present (SOP) 
for the virtual libraries.  They will become more and more information 
specialists.  How about a branch (virtual) library in a kiosk in the
mall?
     For more about Virtual Libraries, visit the Professional Librarians' 
Section.  Use the Staff Entrance over by the soda machines and restrooms.
URL http://www.infi.net/~cwt/intro.html
     We've got a lot of work to do.  Shall we start?
          Regards,
                      Bill.

                    Hampton Roads Window to the World
        The Virtual Library is *THE REASON* to have the Internet!
                       Your Internet WWW HOTLIST!
                          Don't hunt the Web -
               It's on the Virtual Library of Hampton Roads.
                   Set it up as your Netscape Home Page:
                        http://wwwp.exis.net/~cwt/