Much has been said in recent years about the necessity of connecting every classroom in the United States to the Internet. Invariably, the writer or speaker making such a statement will follow by giving an example of a classroom in some isolated area having on-line access to the world’s great libraries. The Internet is being hailed as the great leveler of educational opportunity, especially for inner-city schools and schools in remote areas. Is there any truth in that statement or is it simply political rhetoric?

Online Libraries that exist as an extension of an physical library or as a separate online entity are indeed one of the fastest growing areas of the Internet. For example, the National Digital Library project will make available, on the world wide web, many of the special collections housed in the Library of Congress. The goal is to put 5 million items online by the year 2000. These libraries offer tremendous resources for students and teachers, especially those located in areas without easy access to large libraries.

Click on the link below to explore some online libraries.  As you find interesting and useful online libraries, be sure to add them to your bookmarks or favorites list.  Consider how you could use these online libraries in your classroom.   You will share these thoughts with your online guide at the conclusion of your exploration.

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