BA/kiosk.pr                           Contact: Barbara Harr, 301-217-3926



COUNTY'S FIRST
INFORMATION KIOSK
OPENS AT WHEATON PLAZA                For Immediate Release: March 4, 1996

     Public access to information about local government programs and
services became easier for Montgomery County residents today with the opening
of the County's first electronic information kiosk.
     County Executive Douglas M. Duncan, Council President Gail Ewing and
Congresswoman Connie Morella joined local library officials in ceremonies held
at Center Court in Wheaton Plaza. 
     The interactive kiosk will provide instructions, through a touch-screen
and keyboard, for first-time users.  Customers will be able to access a
variety of information including locations of local libraries, call local
government offices and the library Telephone Reference service, apply for a
library card, receive print outs of the most requested federal and state tax
forms, and send and receive faxes (for a fee).
     "This kiosk is just the first step in the County's efforts to bring
information to as many people as possible," Duncan said.  Thanks to the
management and merchants of Wheaton Plaza, our Department of Public Libraries
and the Friends of the Library, we'll be able to introduce worlds of
information to new audiences of all ages and backgrounds."
     Users will be able to access local, regional and world-wide networks, 

                                  -more-

COUNTY'S FIRST INFORMATION KIOSK OPENS .                          2-2-2-2

such as the libraries' Public Access Catalog and Maryland's SAILOR, providing
free access to the Internet.
     The kiosk also includes a debit/credit card magnetic strip reader for
transaction which require payments.
     "This is information age, one-stop shopping in a terrific location,"
said Ewing.
     "I am delighted about the opportunity to reach even more of the
community through this information kiosk," Griffen said.  "By moving the
information to the user, we can provide services to people, who, for whatever
reason, may not be able to visit one of our public libraries.
     "This partnership with the Friends and Wheaton Plaza," Griffen, said,
"enables us to create a 'library without walls,' and to channel new technology
to expand the delivery of information services for Montgomery County
residents."
     Located near the escalators leading to the food court, the kiosk will be
accessible during normal mall hours Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9:30
p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and during early morning hours for members
of the "Rise and Shine" walkers club.
     "We at Wheaton Plaza are honored to be chosen as the recipient of the
first Public Information Kiosk in Montgomery County," said Property Manager
Jinny Eury.
     "We are excited to have this opportunity to be able to provide to our
community this technological service which will offer them the ability to
interact with their community and the world."
                                  -more-

COUNTY'S FIRST INFORMATION KIOSK OPENS ..                          3-3-3-3

     Among the features included on the kiosk are a user-friendly touch 
screen, a full function keyboard for accessing databases or filling out forms,
a telephone handset to reach a reference librarian or other designated
numbers, a plain paper laser printer and a scanner for sending documents.
Manufactured by Public Information Kiosk, Inc. of Germantown, the unit is
constructed of sturdy steel materials.  It is accessible for persons with
disabilities.
     Ongoing operation of the kiosk will be administered by the Department of
Public Libraries and the Friends of the Library through their store in Wheaton
Plaza.
                                   # # #

Return to Montgomery County Press Releases Page.

---

County Home | About Your County | County Government | Services | Guest Book | Questions for the Executive
News | Phone Book | Business Development | Council | Related Resources

---