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Focuses on the history of the Municipal Reference Library (MRL) in Seattle, Washington from 1913 to 1992. Reasons behind the declining dependence of elected officials on libraries and library research; Effects of the acquisition of the first computer terminal and modem by the MRL in 1977; Benefits of the Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington, an independent nonprofit organization, for local elected officials.

The article discusses the digital divide in students, focusing on a computer skills program at North Seattle Community College Library. The program's tutors, one-on-one service, and budget are discussed. The benefits of computer skills programs to immigrant English as a Second Language (ESL) students and older students who are unfamiliar with technology are also discussed.

The article lists several books on the 2013 Outstanding References Sources List, including "Biotechnology: In Context," edited by Brenda Wilmoth Lerner and K. Lee Lerner; "Encyclopedia of Peace Psychology," edited by Daniel J. Christie; and "Literature of War," edited by Thomas Riggs.

A bibliography of reference sources recommended by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) is presented which includes "The Encyclopedia of Political Science" edited by George T. Kurian, "Green's Dictionary of Slang" by Jonathan Green, and "The Homer Encyclopedia" edited by Margalit Finkelberg.