As in the UK, the federal government intends to have all services and programs online

by 2004. The target for the provincial government is 2003. The CEO recognises that this

ambition presents  an incredible opportunity for efficiency in delivery, and effectiveness

of promotion and access to programs and services not currently available, or possible. 

He believes that libraries should be important players in community interaction with e 

government and has engaged the community in the e agenda by: 

  capitalising on the library's role as information provider and the staff's profile as

information professionals, and marketing this role and profile to the information

consumer, in an environment of trust and confidence,

  seizing opportunities for revenue diversification (obtaining fees for service from

senior levels of government),

  seeing e government services as consistent with the library vision of universal access,

  engaging the community, and being committed themselves, to promoting partnerships

with content, technology and funding providers,

  advocating the unique role libraries have in every community,

  pursuing opportunities to speak/promote potential of library role,

  publishing successes and potential.

In future, priorities for rolling out e government are dependent on the City of Windsor,

with the next transactions being dog licensing, and recreation registrations. The library

has three priorities:

  Online payments,

  Service Canada   delivery of federal services,

  Provincial Government   Integrated Network Project for the Business Transformation

Project: the Library will be a key aggregator of Information Gateways.

The library service in Windsor has changed as a result of its involvement in the 

e government agenda. Expanded Internet access has significantly increased visibility and

reframed public/stakeholder perceptions of the library. In addition, the Regional

Advanced Network has stated,  the library will be the content provider/delivery

agency. 

So, what lessons does Windsor offer? The CEO identifies two key factors: advocacy

and preparation. Steve Salmons advises libraries to  Advocate to government the 

potential role libraries can naturally play in delivering and facilitating e government; but

prepare first by developing the required staff skills, investing in facilities/infrastructure

and committing to a consumer based service model. 

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