A new $1.8 million Libraries Online program has been launched to expand public access to the Internet through Victoria’s public libraries.

Launching the program , the Minister for Information Technology and Multimedia, Mr. Stockdale, said that the involvement of libraries was a key component in the Government’s policy of providing free Internet access for those without networked computers at home or work.

The $1.8 million in funding from Multimedia Victoria will be used to:

• Double the number of public access networked Internet terminals in Victoria’s 44 public library services from 400 to 800;
• Explore the use of satellite technology to upgrade library connectivity and bandwidth capabilities to improve the quality and speed of Internet access, particularly in rural areas presently in "internet black holes’;
• Investigate the use of technology to remove the barriers for those Victorias, particularly the disabled and those of a non-English speaking background, without ready Internet access; and
• Explore ways of introducing 24-hour online access to library services.

The Libraries Online program will be managed by the State Library of Victoria.