Introduction

The following article outlines the basic options that schools and libraries have for accessing the Internet. It also reviews some of the issues associated with access options.

This article assumes you have a basic knowledge of Internet concepts and terminology. No details are provided on actual use of the Internet except when this information is necessary to further clarify access options. It is assumed that a decision has already been made to pursue some type of connection to the Internet and that many of the basic questions listed below have already been addressed.

As schools and libraries further pursue their options for Internet connectivity, they will have to obtain more specific and detailed information on connecting to the Internet. References to more detailed resources can be found in the bibliography at the end of this document.

A WordPerfect 5.1 version of this article (on_ ramps.wp5) is available via anonymous FTP to: badger.state.wi.us. Look in the agencies/dpi/pub directory. For Web access, go to: http://www.state.wi.us/agencies/dpi/www/on_ramps.html. Please send any comments to me at the e-mail address listed below. This article is based on the July 7,1995 update of the online document.

Access Options: The Basic Questions

There is no single Internet access option that will be optimal for all schools and libraries. The type of access should be based on the answers to several fundamental questions. These include:

1. Why does your library or school want Internet access? How will the information resources available over the Internet be used? Some examples include:

• to locate education and library information;

• to allow staff to communicate with other educators or librarians;

• to allow students or patrons to access the Internet;

• to incorporate Internet resources into the curriculum;

• to use Internet resources as a library information and reference tool.

2. Who will be getting Internet access?

• staff (teachers, administrators, librarians, others)

• students, library patrons, the general public

3. How many individuals will be getting access?

• If you are considering access for a small staff, it is probably not cost effective to get a direct Internet connection. Conversely, it may be more cost effective to get a direct connection than paying the associated costs for supporting 30 or more dial-up connections.

4. What Internet resources or services do you want? Typical ones include:

• email

• Telnet

• FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

• Gopher

• World Wide Web

• Others (UseNet, Internet Relay Chat, etc.)

5. What is the installed technology base?

• Almost all schools and libraries already have the basic hardware/software (i.e., Mac or PC workstation, modem, communications soft-wear) needed for a simple dial-up connection to the Internet using terminal emulation.

6. What is the level of networking, if any, that is already in-place?

• A full, direct Internet connection can only be used to its greatest advantage if each building in the school district has a local area network (LAN) and if there is a district-wide area net-

*Bob Bocher, Technology Consultant, Wisconsin Division for Libraries and Community Learning; email: bocherf@maiLstate. wi.us.

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working (WAN) infrastructure in-place that connects each building's LAN. With a LAN/WAN, the Internet can be accessible from every workstation connected to the local network. The same conditions apply for libraries with branch location.

7. What is the level of staff expertise?

• Like any technology, setting-up a workstation for Internet access takes some technical expertise. The most expertise is needed with a direct connection and the least with dial access using terminal emulation mode.

8. What are the long-term plans for Internet access?

• It is possible to start with a small number of staff having dial access to explore how the Internet can be used. Then, if demand warrants and if funding is available, you can decide at a later date to get more complete access via a direct connection.

9. How much money do you have?

• Establishing a limited number of dial-in accounts often can be done with a minimal budget. A direct connection often demands the most funding, but, again, much of the cost depends on how many people will be getting access, the amount of connect time and for what purposes the Internet will be used.

Access Options: The Basic Models

There are four basic options currently available for access to the Internet. They are:

1. Direct connection to an Internet access provider (IAP)

2. Dial access to an Internet provider via SLIP/PPP

3. Dial access to an Internet provider via terminal emulation mode

4. Dial access to an online service (e.g. America Online, CompuServe)

(Note: The author has experience using all four of the above options and still uses options 1-3 on a regular basis.)

All costs outlined below are only estimates. Actual costs will vary and can only be determined by getting specific quotes from Internet access providers.

DIRECT CONNECTION

A direct connection to the Internet provides the best, fastest and most seamless connectivity to the Internet. With a dedicated connection you have full, immediate (no dial-up) Internet access coming into your institution (school, administration building, library). The Internet can be available from all workstations attached to whatever LAN or WAN is installed. The Internet is available 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, usually at a flat monthly or annual fee. A direct connection provides a highly reliable telecommunication connection that is able to transfer data much faster than a dial access connection.

One of the most significant advantages of a direct connection is the ability to use Graphical User Interface (GUI) Internet client programs. Many popular clients like the Netscape or Mosaic Web browser are available free or at little cost. It cannot be emphasized enough that using GUI Internet clients makes the Internet much easier to use and makes staff training easier. To use the GUI clients it is necessary to have a Mac or a PC using MS-Windows. There are DOS programs that have a ""GUI-like" appearance but they are not true graphical interfaces.

Compared to other dial-up options, a direct connection makes it much easier to incorporate the Internet into a school's curriculum. From the library perspective, it is easier to use Internet resources for reference purposes or to provide access to patrons.

Having a direct connect also is advantageous because your institution can support an e-mail server for e-mail and a server for gopher, FTP and the Web. There are more than 1,000 K-12 schools and libraries that have their own gopher or Web servers.

While a direct connection has many advantages, it also requires a comprehensive networking infrastructure (LANs and a WAN) to use the Internet to its maximum advantage. From the school perspective, it will be of limited benefit for a district to get a full Internet connection if there is no networking infrastructure. This includes a LAN in each building and a corresponding WAN to link each building in the district. Thus, it is imperative that when schools review their Internet connectivity options they know exactly what building and district wide networking infrastructure is already in place or what it will cost to build such an infrastructure. The cost for building and supporting a district wide network will be far more than the initial and ongoing cost of direct Internet access. Without any networking infrastructure it is still technically possible to have a direct connection coming into a building, but the Internet would only be accessible on a single workstation. This severely limits the use of the Internet and will not be the most cost efficient mode of access. Libraries confront the same need as schools for networking if they have numerous branch locations. Most libraries that already have implemented OPACs should use this networking infrastructure for their internal Internet connectivity. Schools or libraries with

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no networking infrastructure should consider one of the dial-up Internet options as their first choice.

A school or library considering a direct connection to the Internet must consider not just the physical connection and associated startup costs, but also the costs of supporting the resulting networking infrastructure. A full Internet connection requires the most staff expertise to support. In addition to providing Internet access, the network also may be used for other applications (e.g., voice, videoconferencing) as the requirements of information technologies supported by internetworking technologies expand. Again, with additional use comes an additional need for more expertise and time to manage the network.

Site security is another concern when your school or library gets direct Internet access. The Internet, by design, is an open network. As such, schools and libraries must make sure that security mechanisms are in place to prohibit unauthorized use or access. More detailed information on security issues, for example building security "firewalls" is beyond the scope of this article. Refer to the bibliography at the end of this document for more information on this topic. Your Internet provider can also assist you in this area.

A direct connection requires installation of a dedicated telecommunications circuit, an IF (Internet Protocol) router (a special computer for routing IP packets) and other hardware that links the school or library to the Internet. The speed of the telecommunication circuit generally ranges from 56Kbps (kilobits per second) to 1.54Mbps (megabits per second). These figures approximate 5,000 characters and 150,000 characters per second respectively. To give some perspective, a 1.54Mbps connection is more than 100 times faster than dial access using a 14.4Kbps modem. All direct Internet sites also need to have appropriate IP addresses and their associated domain names.

The network provider, working in cooperation with the telecommunications carrier, is often responsible for much of the initial installation. Specific details on who is responsible for what facets of the installation and other related issues (e.g., cabling, power supply, space allocation, hardware/software installation, site and network security, etc.) should be discussed and agreed upon in advance.

In addition to hardware and site preparation, you will need to support the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) communication software package and appropriate clients (FTP, gopher, Web). As noted above, you may also have to support server software (e-mail, gopher, etc.). Versions of this software are readily available from commercial vendors or as inexpensive shareware or freeware.

The initial cost for bringing in a full connection will vary from about $3,000 to $7,000. Much of the variation depends on whether you purchase or lease the router and the amount of technical support and consulting needed. Ongoing annual costs can range from $3,000 to $7,000, excluding costs for local staff and training. Costs will very depending on a host of factors, including speed of the telecommunication line, size of the router, nearest Internet point-of-presence (POP) and level of ongoing support. Costs are lowest in urban areas.

Below are the basic "pros" and "cons" of direct access.

Pros:

• provides the best, fastest and most seamless connectivity;

• a comprehensive access option. The Internet is directly and instantly accessible to any staff, patron or student from any workstation on the LAN/WAN (no dial-up required);

• best method to integrate Internet into the school curriculum or as a library information resource;

• access can be incorporated and made available via the library's OPAC;

• can use freewear or inexpensive GUI Internet clients for gopher, FTP, the Web, etc.;

• can take advantage of the "ease-of-use" that GUI clients provide;

• can have several Net applications open simultaneously;

• can set up your own Internet server for e-mail, gopher, FTP, Web, dial access, etc.;

• usually charged a flat monthly fee, not charged by the minute of connectivity.

Cons:

• can be the most expensive option, at least for initial costs;

• requires a networking infrastructure for the best, most efficient usage;

• compared to dial access options, requires higher level of technical expertise to operate and maintain;

• requires more staff time at the network level (i.e. an Internet administrator;

• must be aware of Internet security issues and implement appropriate measures;

• level of service and support vary from one Internet access provider to another.

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DIAL ACCESS USING SLIP/FFP

If a direct connection to the Internet is not feasible, the next best option to consider is a dial access Internet connection using SLIP or PPP. SLIP (Serial Line Internet Protocol) or PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) are two Internet communication protocols that allow your workstation to be directly connected to the Internet during the duration of the dial-up session. Both SLIP and PPP connect over regular voice-grade phone lines. PPP is newer than SLIP and is the preferred option for this type of connection.

SLIP/PPP allows you to take advantage of the GUI Internet client programs just like a direct connection. To use these clients it is necessary to have a Mac or a PC using MS-Windows. Because this is a dial-up connection, modem speed is critical, especially when accessing Web sites that include many graphics. An absolute minimum should be a 9.6Kbps (V.32 standard) modem with 14.4 (V32bis) strongly preferred. Ask any Internet provider if they support the newer V.34 "FastClass" modems that operate at 28.8Kbps. In addition, be certain your modem supports V.42 and V.42bis, which are error correction and data compression standards. A note of caution: The speed at which your modem operates is highly dependent on the quality of your phone line. In some rural areas, the quality of the phone line may drop transmission speeds to less than 9.6Kbps even if you have a 28.8Kbps modem. Modems with V.42 error correction usually automatically reduce transmission speeds so data is not lost.

In addition to a workstation with a modem and the SLIP/PPP software, this type of access requires a TCP/IP networking software package. (Often SLIP/PPP and TCP/IP are bundled together as one software package.) Depending on the hardware platform, some TCP/IP software is available as freeware or for a relatively low (less than $50) fee. The Mac OS 7.5 includes TCP/IP, and Microsoft says that TCP/IP also will be incorporated into Windows 95. Most SUP/PPP suites include a dialer program, which precludes the need for a telecommunications program like ProCom or White Knight. If you are not familiar with SLIP/PPP and TCP/IP program suites, be certain to ask any prospective Internet provider if they provide this software and an easy-to-follow install package as part of their service.

To use SLIP/PPP your Internet provider must support SLIP/PPP access on their end of the connection. Virtually all commercial Internet providers support SLIP/PPP connectivity. If you are considering establishing Internet dial connection to a local college or university, most of them use terminal emulation mode and do not support SLIP/PPP.

Connect time costs via SLIP/PPP to an Internet access provider are almost always less than $1 per hour, excluding any long distance telecommunication cost. Some providers have a set monthly fee regardless of the time spent online. The flat fee usually ranges from $20-$40 per month.

Below are the basic "pros" and "cons" of SLIP/PPP access.

Pros:

• does not require an installed networking infrastructure;

• costs per hour are relatively inexpensive, especially in urban areas;

• Net providers are rapidly expanding access beyond urban areas;

• can use freeware or inexpensive GUI Internet clients like gopher and the Web;

• can take advantage of the "ease-of-use" that GUI clients provide;

• can have several Net applications open simultaneously.

Cons:

• requires more technical expertise and time to install SLIP/PPP software and client software compared to terminal emulation mode;

• works best with more robust Macs and PCs and high speed modems (9.6Kbps minimum, 14.4 or 28.8 preferred);

• basically a single user access option. Cannot really be considered a comprehensive access solution like a direct connect;

• often not an access option when getting connected via an academic institution;

• long distance costs can add significantly to connect-time costs;

DIAL-UP ACCESS USING TERMINAL EMULATION MODE

If an Internet SLIP/PPP connection is not available, dial access using terminal emulation is another option to consider. This is a popular option if there is a nearby academic institution, because often they allow local school or library staff to establish dial Internet accounts at very low fees.

While this mode of access is advantageous from a cost perspective, a major disadvantage is that it often presents the user with a "command-line"-oriented Internet interface. Using the Internet in this manner can be rather difficult and cumbersome. You often

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have to know and enter specific and sometimes arcane commands to invoke and use the various Internet programs. You cannot save files directly on your workstation but have to use a program like Kermit to download them. The e-mail package you use may only offer crude editing features without the ability to cut/paste text. The World Wide Web is only available in a "text only "mode. As noted previously, the GUI Internet programs available via the direct connect or SLIP/PPP options makes cruising the Internet far easier and more enjoyable than the terminal emulation mode option.

A dial-up connection using terminal emulation requires a workstation with appropriate telecommunication software (e.g., ProCom) and a modem. This type of connection uses a regular voice-grade phone line. The user accesses the Internet through standard communication software by dialing into an existing Internet site. When the connection is made your workstation acts as a terminal on the host's system. This type of access often is referred to as "VT100," access that refers to the popular VT100 terminal emulation, or it is sometimes called "shell," access that refers to the user interface of the Unix operating system used at most Internet sites.

Costs for terminal emulation mode access are often less than $1 per hour of connect time, excluding any long distance telecommunication costs. Some academic sites may offer even lower cost or free access for educators or librarians. Many academic institutions find it difficult to address the Internet needs of their own students and faculty and thus the level of support you get may be minimal.

Below are the basic "pros" and "cons" of terminal emulation mode access.

Pros:

• does not require an installed networking infrastructure;

• costs on a per-hour basis relatively inexpensive, especially in urban areas (academic institutions may provide very low cost access);

• does not require a high level of expertise or monetary commitment;

• easy method to establish access;

• can use older hardware and slower modems.

Cons:

• usually presents users with only a simple and sometimes difficult-to-use interface;

• generally not possible to use the easy GUI Internet client programs;

• usually cannot open more than one Net program at a time;

• downloading files requires the use of Kermit or a similar program;

• more difficult to integrate Internet into tile curriculum or library work flow;

• basically a single user access option. Cannot really be considered a comprehensive access solution, like a direct connect;

• academic institutions that allow dial access may offer little ongoing help or support;

• long distance costs can add significantly to connect time costs;

DIAL ACCESS THROUGH A COMMERCIAL ONLINE SERVICE

A fast growing trend among the well-known commercial online services, like CompuServe (1-800-524-3388), America Online (AOL) (1-800-827-6364) and Prodigy (1-800-776-3449), is to offer their subscribers some type of gateway to the Internet. Until recently, this has been restricted to supporting just an Internet e-mail gateway. Net purist would not even consider this as an Internet option.

However, all the major online networks are rapidly moving to incorporate more Internet services, like FTP, gopher and the Web into their subscription options. Subscribers to the online services are demanding more open systems, including access to all the Internet client programs. Thus competition is forcing the commercial services to provide more Internet services. AOL has gopher access, and CompuServe and Prodigy offer Web access, Microsoft also will be providing an Internet access option as part of its Microsoft Network (MSN). MSN will include a seamless connect package and Web browser.

If your primary intent is to get Internet access, going with a SLIP/PPP connection through an Internet access provider is still your better and less expensive option. With some of the online services, users need to initiate a separate log-in to use Net client programs. Thus, there is not the seamless connectivity you have with a direct or SLIP/PPP connection. Most online services charge more than $2 an hour, while SLIP/PPP is almost always under $1 per hour.

Below are the basic "pros" and "cons" of dial-up through a commercial online service.

Pros:

• does not require an installed networking infrastructure;

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• does not require a nigh level of expertise to install or use;

• has a large installed customer base and market presence;

• active competition will force providers to offer more Internet services;

• some services provide good user interfaces;

• other information resources are available that are not on the Internet.

Cons:

• may not offer all Internet services;

• some Internet services may only be available at an added cost;

• more difficult to integrate Internet into the curriculum or library work flow;

• basically a single user access option. Cannot really be considered a comprehensive access solution, like a direct connect;

• long distance costs can add significantly to connect time costs;

• if your focus is on getting Internet access, SLIP/PPP access is less expensive.

Internet Access or Service Providers (IAP, ISP)

For the first three options listed above (i.e., direct, SLIP/PPP, terminal emulation) you will need some organization or company that provides Internet access. Some are nationwide providers, others serve only specific regions, states or a few localities.

A good resource for many national and regional providers is the Pdial list. For the complete list, send an e-mail to: "info-deli-server@netcom.com" with subject: Send PDIAL. For a print copy, send $5 check or money order to: The Information Deli, 159 Los Trancos Circle, Portola Valley, CA 94028. The Web site is; http://www.pdial.com/. Another good source is the Yahoo listing of Net providers at: http://www.yahoo.com/Business/Corporations/Internet_Access_ Providers/. A third comprehensive source is "The List" available on the Web at: http://thelist.com/. "The List" has the added benefit of indexing Internet providers by telephone area code.

In addition to the above resources, talk to other educators and librarians to determine if there is a local phone or cable companies, local, regional and state education or library associations and your state education or library agency. Some states have statewide Internet access programs (usually SLIP/PPP, like Wisconsin's BadgerDial program, or terminal emulation) coordinated by the state's education or library agencies. (Note: with anticipated changes in federal telecommunications litagations later in 1995, more phone and cable companies will likely be entering the Internet market.)

There is no hard and fast rule specifying to whom a school or library should approach for Internet access. Historically, there has been a tendency for academic institutions to form their own statewide (e.g. Wisconsin's WiscNet) or regional network (e.g. the Big Ten's CICNet). The best approach, given the growing number of Internet providers, is to consider all the providers that offer services in the region, and consider the variety and quality of services offered within the framework of the school's or library's requirements. Make your selection based on:

• cost, initial and long term

• reliability

• Internet services provided

• provider support, both initial and ongoing

• references from current customers

With so many start-up firms now advertising their Internet services, one must use common sense and more than a little caution in selecting a provider. Some Internet access providers are just one- or two-person operation working out of someone's basement or garage. Let the buyer beware!

There are a host of issues that must be resolved and questions that must be answered when seeking a full Internet connection. It cannot be too strongly emphasized that ongoing support from the Internet provider is critical if your school or library is considering a direct connection.

It often is difficult to know what questions should be asked when evaluating different service providers. The following set of questions are a starting point for any discussion with an Internet access provider. Many of the questions below are related to the full connection option because time and money investment in a direct connection are almost always more than other access options.

Sample Questions for Internet Services Providers:

1. What connection services do they offer? Make them describe their services in detail using terminology you understand.

2. What is the cost for the various services? Providers often have many different plans of service. Make certain you understand who is responsible for what.

3. What is included in the cost?

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• telecommunication circuit cost, installation and monthly charge? (direct connect only)

• cost of onsite router, cost of offsite router? (direct connect only)

• any other hardware/software costs?

• installation, of what?

• membership fee, if any?

• help desk and user support?

4. Are there any other charges not included in the initial costs?

5. What are their support services, and are there different levels of support? Some providers only offer support for the underlying network connection and do not offer any support for end-user client programs like gopher and the Web.

6. What training is available? Is it included in above cost?

• technical training for network operations?

• end-user training (i.e., training on actual use of e-mail, gopher, etc.)? Training is essential to reduce end-user frustration and develop skills to help insure efficient use of Internet resources and staff time.

7. What, if any, end-user software is provided? Do they include e-mail support? Some providers have a comprehensive package of Net clients (gopher. Web, etc.) while others do not supply any programs. Also, you will need a provider or some organization to provide you with e-mail service.

8. Is the access provider also a presence provider? Some provider offer their customers disk space (a "presence") on the provider's gopher or Web server at little cost. This means, for example, that your school or library can have its own Web page without actually having to support a Web server.

9. Does the provider operate a full NOC (Network Operations Center) and NIC (Network Information Center)? (This questions is most important for a direct connect.) Large established Internet providers operate a NOC and NIC to ensure the reliability and integrity of the telecommunications network connection and provide some degree of technical support. Ask for a tour of the provider's NOC and/or NIC facility. If they decline, or the NOC/NIC is in a comer of their basement, consider another provider.

10. Do they have dedicated (i.e., full time), professional staff? How many?

11. What are their ongoing maintenance services and costs?

12. Do they require 24-hour access to your physical location? (direct connect only)

13. Do they require an onsite person be available to assist in problem diagnosis?

14. Are there limitations to connecting to other parts of the Internet (i.e., can you get everywhere you need to get)?

15. Do they assist the school or library in IP address registration and Internet Domain Name issues? (direct connect only) See the "IP Addresses and Domain Names" section below.

16. Do they order, install or test the telecommunications circuit?

17. Do they have acceptable use policy (AUP)? See the "Internet Acceptable Use Policies (AUP)" section following.

18. Is there an annual meeting or a membership user's group of some type?

19. To whom else do they provide service? Get references from other schools and libraries that are using the services.

20. Do they have a contract? Contracts provide a form of protection. You should not consider a direct connection without some type of document outlining who is responsible for what. If a prospective Internet access provider claims any of the above information is confidential or that it is not important, consider finding another provider.

Other Considerations and Concerns

Telecommunication costs

If you are considering one of the dial-up Internet options and are located in a small community or rural areas, the issue of telecommunication costs can be a major impediment to getting Internet access. If you have to dial long distance to get a connection, telecommunication costs easily can be $6-$8 per hour or more. In most circumstances the cost for a dial-up connection from one of the Internet providers does not include any associated telecommunications costs.

Most of the providers offer service for a local call only if you are in one of the state's larger urban areas. Lobby your legislators and the state's Public Service Commission to provide discount telecommunications rates for schools and libraries.

An advantage of a direct connection is that your institution pays a flat monthly cost for the telecom-

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munication line. You will be purchasing some part of the local telecommunication line directly or indirectly from your phone company. It is this line that ultimately connects your site with what is known as an Internet POP (Point-of-Presence) operated by the provider. It is not necessary for the end user to be too concerned about the technical details of this. However, some caution must be used when talking with Internet providers about their telecommunication options. Some will claim they operate at very high speeds (T-l line, 1.5Mbps), yet you may be sharing that line with a host of other users than can degrade performance. Also, ask to see a schematic of the provider's actual telecommunications network. If necessary, seek outside consulting help when discussing telecommunication issues with an Internet provider.

End User Training and Support

When considering your Internet access options, the issue of initial and ongoing end-user support is an important concern. An investment in staff, user training and associated documentation is essential to reduce common criticism that the Net is too difficult to use. The Internet provides access to a wide variety of resources and a broad set of functions and services. To be a productive and efficient Internet user educators and library staff will require initial and ongoing education and training.

End-user training and support is not always available from Internet providers. This issue becomes more important if you have a direct connection. Also, the need for support obviously increases with the number of end users and the number (e.g., e-mail, gopher, Web, etc.) and types of services (e.g., command mode, GUI) provided. As noted previously, the ease of GUI client use can considerably reduce the need for initial user training and ongoing user support. Be certain to check what, if any, online help is available from the client programs. Check with any local academic institution, area school consortia, library system, or state education and library agency to see if they offer Internet training.

Internet Acceptable Use Policies (AUP)

As part of Internet access, the school or library should develop guidelines for acceptable use of the Internet. Such a policy is especially critical if a school will be allowing students access and if the library will be allowing their patrons access. AUPs often cover such issues as the overall purposes of Internet access, what Internet resources can be used, the proper use of electronic mail and general "Netiquette." Other issues include copyright and confidentiality and privacy of information. Many state and regional networks that received Internet funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) had certain restrictions written into their AUP imposed by the NSF. Since the NSF has decreased its role and oversight of the Internet, these restrictive clauses are no longer needed.

IP Addresses and Domain Names

Note: This issue is only relevant if you will have a direct Internet connection.

Every computer directly connected to the Internet must have a unique identifier. This identifier is known as the Internet Protocol (IP) network address. In addition to a numerical identifier, most organizations also have what is known as a domain name. It is through the numerical address and the associated domain name that the millions of computers attached to the Internet can contact each other.

A school or library must register with the authority that assigns the IP addresses and for a domain name. The IP address is assigned by the Internet Address Naming Authority (IANA). There are different classes (A, B and C) of Internet addresses, which correspond to the number of workstations a school or library anticipates connecting to the Internet. Your Internet provider should be able to help you complete the necessary application for your IP addresses.

While a block of IP addresses are officially assigned and registered by the IANA, the domain name is selected by the school or library. A domain name is just an alphabetic character string that maps to the IP address. Domain names are used because it is simply easier for humans to remember a name rather than a number. For example, the IP address for a computer on the UW-Madison campus is 128.126.56.16. The domain name for that computer is vms3.macc.wise.edu.

Conclusion

Access to the Internet can provide a world of information and communication resources to educators and librarians. The access option you select will depend on what Net services you want and how the resources available via the Internet will be used; who and how many individuals will be getting access; the level of local expertise; the installed technology and networking infrastructure; the commitment from your administration and how much funding is available. I hope the information provided in this document has been helpful in defining your Internet access options and related issues so you and your staff can get your drivers licenses to access the Infobahn.

Please contact me if you have any questions: Bob Bocher, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, State Division for Libraries and Community Learning,

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125 S. Webster St. Madison, WI 53707-7841 608-266-2127 fax 608-267-1052 email: bocherf@mail.state.wi.us.

Bibliography

Within the past two years more than 50 books have been published that have the word "Internet" in the title. Many of the general introductory books on the Internet have chapters on connectivity options and related issues. The citations specifically listed below are just a small sample of the wide variety of documents available on this subject.

Adams, Rick. How to Select an Internet Provider. UUNet Technologies, Inc. 1994. This four-page paper is a good guide with especially helpful hints on network and telecommunication issues.

Connecting to the Internet: What Connecting Institutions should anticipate. (RFC 1359*) 1992. (gopherill-nic.merit.edu:7043100/intemet/providers/rfcl359.txt

Estrada, Susan. Connecting to the Internet. O'Reilly 1993. Probably the best book on this issue.

Grzybowski, Carl. Internet: Connectivity Handbook. Oregon State Library. Salem OR. Nov. 1994. A good and very understandable overview of your connectivity options. On the Web at: http://sparkie.osl.state.or.us:8000/ihea/toc.html

A Guide for K-12 Schools To Get on The Net and Use Info Technology. On the Web at: http://www.cvc.cssd.kl2.vt.us/K12TECH/kl2tech.htm

Internet Connections: A Librarian's Guide to Dial-up Access and Use. Mary E. Engle...[et al.]. American Library Association, LITA monographs; 6. Chicago 1995.

Internet Costs and Cost Models for Public Libraries. Issued and available from the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science, 1110 Vermont Ave., NW, Suite 820 Washington DC 20005 Voice: 202-606-9200. June 1995. This is the study done by Charles McClure, John Carlo Bertot and John C. Beachboard. On the Web at: http://dataserver.syr.edu/~mac-beth/Project/Faculty/McClure.NCLIS/TOC.html

K-12 Internetworking Guidelines (RFC 1709) Nov. 1994.Gopher://nk.merit.edu:70431/Documents /rfc/rfcl709.txt

The Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP). (RFC 1548) Dec. 1993.

Site Security Handbook. (RFC 1244). 1992.

"RFCs, Requests for Comments are a series of documents covering a wide variety of Internet-related subjects. RFCs are available at many sites on the Internet including via FTP and gopher from nic.merit.edu.

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