ABSTRACT
Collectively, files stored on Internet-linked servers comprise the largest database of publicly available data in digital format. The range and volume of this data is considerable and is extensively augmented daily. Most Internet users now have access to a range of materials that it is unlikely that they could obtain with such immediacy from any other source. It includes electronic versions of some primary and secondary materials for most Social Science disciplines, refereed electronic journals, current news reports, statistical data, maps, organizational agendas, and much more. There are tens of thousands of articles and books available for downloading. An increasing volume of information and reports produced by governments, international agencies, courts, political parties, pressure groups, social movements and other organizational entities are available in electronic format. While it may take months, or even years, for printed versions of these documents to be made available in libraries, many are available for downloading from Internet servers immediately they are released. Hardly any library could afford the costs of purchase or storage of printed versions of the wide range of materials currently available in electronic format without cost.
