The Digital Inclusion Forum

The Maine InfoNet project was developed initially in 1996 with public funds and contributions from the Maine State Library, the Maine University System Libraries, and the Maine Library Community. It has as its vision the implementation and maintenance of educational and library resources in digital format, with easy access for citizens. To this end, the program works to build a Maine Digital Libary, with supporting programs and applications. Currently, a statewide InfoNet Gateway is in use that contains over 3 miilion titles representing 6.7 million items and has significantly contributed to increased online requesting and lending.

In addition to the digital library project, Maine InfoNet runs a Walk-in-Wireless library initiative providing free wireless access to library users at over 60 public libraries. This program is growing, and is funded by a grant from the Maine Telecommunications Educational Access Fund.