May 23, 1996

Vancouver Public Library Opens Website to Celebrate Central's First Anniversary

The Vancouver Public Library will celebrate the first anniversary of its landmark Central Branch by opening its own World Wide Web site and making Internet access available to the public.

Twenty-nine computer terminals throughout the Central Branch will be equipped with Netscape browser application software for viewing library information in World Wide Web format. This website, which can also be viewed remotely over the Internet, is the first step toward the goal of full Internet access in all VPL branches by the spring of 1997.

The VPL website -- whose address is http://www.vpl.vancouver.bc.ca -- contains detailed information about library services and policies as well as a virtual tour of the Central Branch.

The VPL website also contains links to the City of Vancouver homepage on the World Wide Web, thus making a wide variety of information about City services and involvement available to residents who are not personally connected to the Internet. The City website is at: http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca

As well, the VPL website will contain links to other Internet information sources especially chosen by staff of each subject division in the library. Division staff will continually refresh this information with new links that reflect the growth of the Internet.

The service is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., May 24.

For more information:

Brian Campbell
Director, Systems and Planning
Vancouver Public Library
331-4070

(c) 1996 City of Vancouver