Internet Resources:

Abstract

This article is aimed at the practical applications of information available on the Internet and how it creates a new role f a reference librarians as information facilitators. It focuses on the Info.umd.edu database developed by the University of Maryland and how it makes the transfer of files very easy. There are examples of how his database can be used to facilitate librarian and faculty interaction and collegiality, and how it is a resource for answers to specific questions. It contains specific examples of how the database was used in the above situations. One such example is how the author introduced the Women's Studies sections of the database to the Women's Studies faculty. They saw it as a wonderhrl resource for information as to what other faculty are doing across the country.The database has been used to enhance the image of the library on campus. Within minutes of downloading the text of the Democratic National Platform from Info, the college president's office called thanking the library for making it available to the campus. It presents the idea that the information available on the Internet is still essentially an untapped resource by many faculty and students. Librarians have the skills to become guides and mentors in the exploitation of that resource. Databases like Info.umd.edu and knowledge of them make us a valuable commodity on campus.