Library offers access through online Library Gateway

The Cornell University Library has a new presence on the World Wide Web.

This easy-to-use web site provides direct links to the library's collection of networked information resources. The new Library Gateway is a convenient path to research information, specific facts, statistics, electronic journals, references to printed journal articles and schedules of events around the library system. The Library Gateway also includes links for renewing books, placing interlibrary loans, asking a reference question and requesting that the library purchase a book.

The Library Gateway can be found at http://campusgw.library.cornell.edu or via the Cornell Library button on Bear Access.

The Library Gateway is Cornell Library's virtual "branch library" on the web. It presents a keyword searchable subject list of direct links to more than 1,000 network-accessible information resources, and it includes a list of navigational aids and services on the left side of the screen. The gateway also provides a whole suite of library information, such as convenient links to individual library home pages. While the Library Gateway was designed for Netscape 3 and up, it is also functional (although less sleek) with Netscape 2.02 and Netscape 1.1.

The Library Gateway is the result of several years of work by library staff. By pulling together many disparate strands of information and resources, it will make Cornell's electronic library simpler to use.

"The beauty of the gateway is that we now have a single 'front door' to all of Cornell's libraries," said University Librarian Sarah Thomas. "It's easier now to find digital materials and library information from your offices, homes, labs -- and in the library buildings themselves."

As with most information technology, the Library Gateway is a work-in-progress. Library staff welcome input and suggestions regarding the gateway by way of a link at the bottom of the gateway's screens. Reference staff at any unit within Cornell Library can answer questions about the gateway or provide demonstrations of its use.

The library also is offering hands-on, one hour workshops that will introduce the gateway and how to use it effectively. Workshop times and locations can be found in the Chronicle calendar under "Miscellany" and through the gateway's help page.