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LIBRARY NARRATIVE In less than 3 pages, describe your proposed proJect. Provide information about the type of connection you intend to oner, and the type of servIce and assistance you will offer library patrons. If you are applying for Program S, describe why your organization is able to support dedicated Internet access. In February 1998, the San Marcos Public Library received an LB1-Program B grant from the TIF Board. Using this grant, we were able to purchase and connect ten public access Internet workstations to our Internet service provider through a centralized server, firewall, and T-1line. We also purchased a software package that interfaced with our existing library automation software to make our online catalog available via the Internet. The response to our Internet services at the library has been overwhelmingly positive. Utilized by adults and children, Internet circulation has climbed to nearly 2,900 users per month. Although we are open 64 hours per week and limit use to one hour at a time, all ten Internet stations are in nearly continuous use by the public. We routinely maintain a waiting list of patrons eager for the next available terminal. Many, many patrons have requested classes on basic computer skins, how to do research over the Internet, how to use e-mail, and how to search the Texas State Library databases. We would like to offer these classes, but the way our terminals are currently arranged and the constant demand for their use by individual patrons has limited our capacity to offer much formal computer training. The project we are proposing to fund using the TIF LB4 grant funds will address these issues by: . greatly increasing the availability of public Internet terminals at the library, and . setting up a training facility in which we can offer a variety of classes in basic computer skills and Internet research. Our plans call for installing a total of 26 public access workstations, which would be connected to the Internet through our existing T -1 line. Sixteen of these workstations will be for general Internet use. They will be set up within easy access of our reference librarians who will be able to provide one-on-one assistance to patrons. TIFB Form/library ,~arrarive 11/9B) page 6 of 27