Celebrated authors Shane Maloney and Errol Broome today helped Local Government Minister Candy Broad find the perfect read for Victorians.
The search was on at the Northcote Library today where Ms Broad launched an Australian first $500,000 LibraryLink website to give Victoria's 2.5 million public library users unprecedented access to the 10 million books, CDs and other items in the State's public library catalogues.
"The Bracks Government believes all Victorians deserve decent access to library services," Ms Broad said.
"From now on finding your favourite book will be as simple as logging on to this new service and searching all public libraries across Victoria," Ms Broad said
"Bookworms will no longer need to drive from library to library or search individual websites for the hundreds of local libraries to find out if your book of choice is on the shelves."
The website is http://www.llv.net.au
Ms Broad said new geographic areas of Victoria will be added to the database over the next six months, eventually providing complete coverage of the State.
From today LibraryLink covers 42 metropolitan libraries in the Darebin, Boroondara, Casey and Cardinia areas.
Libraries in the City of Port Phillip will join the system this week.
LibraryLink also covers 97 country public libraries in the north and west of Victoria, giving nearly 45 per cent of Victorians access to the service.
Ms Broad said the new website would enable all library users to search and place online requests from their homes, in schools and anywhere people have access to the internet.
"Students in particular will love this system as finding the perfect textbook can be challenging at the best of times," Ms Broad said.
"Victorian students can also find books for the Premier's reading challenge.
"LibraryLink will instantly tell you where an item can be found and have it sent to your local library for collection."
Last updated: 31 March 2008
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