Isn't the Internet already doing what NOVEL is proposed to do?

Although the Internet, the World Wide Web and other technologies provide online information, only NOVEL will provide the high quality, reliable, accurate sources of electronic information New Yorkers need.

Because of the open nature of the Internet, much of the information it accesses is neither accurate nor up-to-date. Other information is available only at a cost from commercial publishers, and much information still remains to be digitized.

At the same time, many people lack the resources to access the Internet. According to a study released in 2002 by Benton Foundation, 76 percent of minority households and 73 percent of those with a disability do not have Internet access. While 76% of households making $75,000 per year or more have computers in the home, 86 percent of households with an annual income less than $15,000 do not. NOVEL will help community libraries provide access to electronic information resources for all New Yorkers regardless of economic circumstances.

NOVEL will help to close the digital divide by making electronic and digital information accessible via the local library as well as remote locations such as home, school or office. This means that all New Yorkers, regardless of economics, geographic isolation or disabilities will have access to the information they need.

What is the relationship