Public libraries have accepted the challenge of new electronic possibilities and developed a remarkable range of services. Today, by providing these services, public libraries have the greatest opportunity to contribute to bridging the 'digital gap'. These guidelines and standards have been developed for a variety of public libraries at different levels of development, in order to support librarians in building effective library services in all circumstances everywhere, to meet the requirements of the local users. Examples from all over the world of the range of services offered illustrate the text and provide insights into imaginative possible solutions to specific problems. Internet addresses lead to further information on a variety of initiatives.