The New York Online Virtual Electronic Library (NOVEL) had already been available through 5,000 public and school libraries, according to the March 14 Long Island Newsday. In its first year, the service received 1.9 million hits; that number increased to 26 million in 2005.
“Whereas the internet has wonderful information, it really provides basic information at best,” said senior librarian Mary Woodward. “NOVEL provides access to individuals across the state, whether they be high-income earners in Manhattan, in assisted-living residences in the Adirondacks, or a student in the southern tier. They all have access.”
Posted March 17, 2006.