The French videotex system, Minitel: its uses and applications in libraries
Abstract
The Minitel videotex system has been a success in France, connecting millions of people to information services of every description via their home telephone system. It has been examined by both information specialists and business people to determine the reasons for its unique success. But, how many librarians outside of France know about the information available on Minitel and use this tool in their work? Assuming that those librarians who use the Internet and participate in library‐oriented discussion lists are the most likely at least to be aware of Minitel and its services, the author queried the participants of two discussion lists, LIBREF‐L (reference librarians) and PACS‐L (computer service librarians), to find out if anyone outside of France is using Minitel in the library environment. This article will trace the history of Minitel and will conclude with the results of the informal Internet survey, along with some suggestions for exploration of Minitel services.
Citation
Lanoue, M. (1994), "The French videotex system, Minitel: its uses and applications in libraries", The Electronic Library, Vol. 12 No. 2, pp. 89-95. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb045278
Publisher
:MCB UP Ltd
Copyright © 1994, MCB UP Limited