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BOOK 93 PAGE 644' <br />Mr. Block emphasized that the Indian River program is a <br />prototype and our IRENE community telecomputing system must keep <br />moving. IRENE allows us to hook into Internet which will hook us <br />into the world. The library will be accessible from home computers <br />through IRENE and will allow users to find books throughout the <br />state. A portion of the grant funds will be used to upgrade the <br />electronics in our library. There is a system management disk <br />which will allow individuals to use over 60,000 self-help programs <br />to better their positions at work. Gracewood and Piper will use <br />these programs, as well as the citrus and banking industries. It <br />is something that has moved along quite readily in the social <br />services area, United Way, the hospital, health services, and <br />criminal justice. Another important area of telecomputing <br />communication is the home and the school; parents and teachers will <br />be able to communicate with each other and with other areas of the <br />community through a modem. -Mr. Block proposed that we work toward <br />a time when every fifth -grader will pick up books, a computer and <br />a modem as part of his school tools. Mr. Block characterized this <br />as an exciting area of development. The Task Force is not asking <br />for tax dollars. The community owns this program, the Task Force <br />is trying to advance it, and Mr. Block invited the Commission to <br />come on board and participate. <br />Commissioner Eggert agreed this is a very exciting program. <br />She noted that some of the schools are cutting back on their own <br />library and using our library, and we must upgrade our library <br />computer equipment, which includes telephone lines and other <br />expenses. The potential is here, in the library and in the <br />community, to better interact with the schools and families. <br />Mr. Block further explained that the government access channel <br />could be used for electronic town meetings. That could avoid some <br />problems like the one which occurred earlier in the meeting with <br />the transfer stations. <br />Chairman Tippin thanked Mr. Block and asked him to keep up the <br />good work. <br />Commissioner Macht agreed that we will become hitchhikers on <br />the communications highway. We have the capability in the County <br />right now. <br />ON MOTION by Commissioner Eggert, SECONDED by <br />Commissioner Adams, the Board unanimously appointed <br />Commissioner Ken Macht to the Task Force on the <br />Indian River Idea. <br />October 25, 1994 <br />76 <br />0 <br />_I <br />