Describes the development of the Suffolk Cooperative Library System's live, online chat reference service, a pilot project for public libraries in Suffolk County (New York). Topics include chat software selection; a virtual reference collection; marketing; funding; staffing; evaluation; expanded hours of service; email; and extracting data from…

Provides guidelines for purchasing and installing CD-ROM technology in school libraries. Considerations include hardware and software selection and familiarity with new products. Two lists are provided that contain contact information for six companies and recommendations for six standard CD-ROM reference sources to include on a network. (JKP)