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**Apologies for cross-posting** PRESS RELEASE 15/10/1998 EARL, the Consortium for Public Library Networking New Services from EARL http://www.earl.org.uk/services.html Public Internet Access in UK Public Libraries http://www.earl.org.uk/access/ In the light of the Government's response to "New Library: The People's Network" which supports the development of electronic services and networking in libraries, EARL: the Consortium for Public Library Networking, presents its Public Internet Access in UK Public Libraries webpages as an essential guide for the public and information professionals alike. It is envisaged that this Web resource will become an essential reference tool for those who wish to take advantage of the ongoing developments in electronic access to resources in public libraries. This new service from EARL lists all UK public libraries offering public access to the Internet. The list is indexed by the name of the town or locality in which the library is situated, and also by Local Authority to enable users to search for other libraries with access in their area. Each entry includes details such as contact address and telephone number of the library with a link to the authority's website where one exists. The site also includes contact details for EARL, who will be keeping the list current, and an on-line form for users of the site to tell us of changes and additions. We encourage users to work alongside us to keep this new and valuable resource as up to date as possible. EARL would like to acknowledge the generous assistance of Lloyds/TSB in their provision of the initial data for the site. Euroguide http://www.euroguide.org/ Euroguide is a subject gateway to websites which contain information about the European Union. It offers access to authoritative sources by means of 60 subject categories which have been chosen to represent terms actually used, rather than "Eurojargon". The site can also be searched by organisation name. Euroguide has been developed by Essex County Libraries with input from members of the EARL European Task Group. The site will make it easier for the citizens of Europe to find information on the web, and will also provide a more efficient way for public libraries to help their users make best use of the web. Signposts http://www.earl.org.uk/taskgroups/signposts/index.html Signposts is a Web based directory, maintained by WRMLS and the EARL Language & Literature Task Group. It provides information sources for the supply of materials in languages other than English. The site is indexed by language and provides links to many different types of source, among them libraries, bookshops, book suppliers, and published journals. EARL, the Consortium for Public Library Networking, was established in 1995 to develop the role of public libraries in providing library and information services over the network. It now has 164 partners in local authorities, associate partners in government, the library profession, higher education, and the commercial sector including the Library Association, the British Library, the UK Office for Library and Information Networking, the Department for Education and Employment, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Through collaboration, EARL aims to demonstrate and extend the ability of public libraries to deliver networked information and knowledge-based services. These are demonstrated on the EARL Web site (URL: http://www.earl.org.uk/) and include the above services, and also: Ask a Librarian - adding a new electronic dimension to the information services which public libraries have always provided and will continue to provide. Familia - the on-line starting-place to find information about materials in public libraries which will help you trace your family history. MagNet - the new way to find magazines, journals and newspapers in public libraries throughout the UK. EARLweb - a ready reference collection of links assembled by EARL to help you find your way around in cyberspace. Notes to Editors Contact : For more details about the Public Access to the Internet in UK Public Libraries web pages, contact Chris Moore, EARL Information Officer, EARL, 4th Floor, Gun Court, 70 Wapping Lane, London E1 9RL; tel: 0171 702 2020; email: [log in to unmask] For more details about the EARL Consortium contact Helen Baigent, Liaison Officer, at the EARL office; email: [log in to unmask] -- Chris Moore EARL Information Officer Email: [log in to unmask] Tel: (0171) 702 2020 Fax: (0171) 702 2019 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%