State-wide Internet Access
Mississippi very early on made it a priority to provide Internet access to 100% of its public libraries. Following passage of a bill by the Mississippi Legislature in 1995, the Mississippi Library Commission began implementation of a network in 1996. Through funding from state and local sources, the Gates Foundation Initiative, Library Services and Technology Act, and E-rate, all public libraries were connected to the Mississippi Information Network (MissIN) by the end of 1997. All Mississippi libraries currently have at least 56 kbps access and the goal now is to acquire T-1 lines for all public libraries.

Innovative Access
The Jackson-Hinds Library System Web site offers “ianswer,” a 24/7 live reference desk service. Also “info.mall” is the library’s streamlined collection of access points to MAGNOLIA, PLATO, Learn-a-Test, Hotmath.com, Online Book Club, CAPP educational services, and the Consumer Health Education Center from the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Information Technology Literacy
The Tombigbee Regional Library System offers free beginning Internet and computer classes at the Bryan Public Library in West Point, in collaboration with East Mississippi Community College. The libraries in Aberdeen, Amory, and West Point, in collaboration with Itawamba Community College and East Mississippi Community College, offer free GED instruction, basic adult education, and basic computer skills classes.