This guide is for librarians and library patrons who are not already members of the Internet family of users. It provides: a snapshot of the networking services available at the time of publication; a discussion of the concepts and terms in use; and a bibliography of the notable guides that document the search techniques, navigational tools and information resources available.

This step-by-step guide to Internet access offers practical advice about: hardware and software requirements; purchasing advice and upgrades; assessing current equipment; comparing different types of Internet service; finding and working with an Internet provider; sofware packages including popular tools such as Netscape and Eudora, and sources for acquiring them; and finding and working with low-cost upgrades for existing equipment and software.

This publication is intended to help community leaders launch KickStart initiatives to bring their communities onto the information superhighway. Contents: connecting people and communities to the information superhighway (realizing the benefits; highlighting the ingredients of success; showcasing success tories); a leadership guide to getting there (identifying costs and sources of funding); resource on intellectual property, privacy and security; resources for communities (print and online resources; examples of acceptable use policies).