teleconferencing,

  bookselling via the Internet in partnership with a library supplier.

Somerset: Key engagement features 

The county librarian is positioned as a strategic player in information management.

The Web manager is on the Libraries Arts and Information Service. Public library staff

members are perceived as having the skills required for effective information 

management and control. Partnerships with other agencies/councils are strong.

The county council website is located at http://www.somerset.gov.uk

The Somerset Libraries' website is located at: http://www.foursite.somerset.gov.uk/

Case studies   United States of America

Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County Virginia is a twenty minute metro ride from Washington, DC. It has no

real population centre, but has over 1 million people spread over 400 square miles. Its

proximity to Washington means that a high percentage of the population has high

expectations about what local government services can deliver online.

A board of supervisors controls the county with ten members serving four year terms.

Supervisors appoint members to the library board of trustees.

Three technology platforms make up the county's e government initiative:

  Information kiosks,

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