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Zillow (and its brother application, Expedia) are examples of Web- based tools and services that can be used to empower users by bringing together vast amounts of information to answer specific questions. When (if ever) will libraries try such things? As you may or may not know, Zillow provides information regarding real estate. Go to zillow.com, enter an exact address, and get back bunches o' information about the house at that location. Estimated price. Taxes. Size of house. Similar houses in the area. Etc. This information empowers the user to make better decisions. It does not negate the role of the real estate agent, just changes it. Expedia, a travel site created by the same guy who created Zillow, does the same thing for booking various reservations. I sincerely believe the creation of Zillow and Expedia-like sites for libraries is a growth area, if only there were enough interest in libraries and if there were enough computer expertise in libraries. -- Eric Morgan