Preface

In this issue, librarians in the Lewis & Clark Library System address their many successes with Internet access. Anecdotes about how the Internet helps librarians address reference questions will provide insight for library staff throughout Illinois. Some specific World Wide Web sites that are identified help locate the answers to reference questions. "Internet Success Stories" also discusses the home page of Lovejoy Library at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and the impact of the Westplex Information Network in nearby St. Charles, Missouri. Community information networks are of continuing interest to Illinois librarians as a number of libraries, in partnership with community groups, are developing grant applications for federal funds from the Illinois State Library to develop community/regional networks in their areas. These efforts build on previous networking initiatives by libraries and library systems in Peoria. Champaign, Rockford, Springfield and other parts of the state.

The administrative rules for the Illinois Library System Act are also included in this issue to provide convenient access for librarians. The administrative rules were published in the Summer 1994 issue of Illinois Libraries and have since been updated.

Other articles in this issue address censorship, technology planning and a special library collection at Northern Illinois University. We round out your summertime reading with a forward-looking article about the role of books in the next century and a report on public library services to special populations.

Kathleen L. Bloomberg
Editor, Illinois Libraries

116