Web sites have become an increasingly important way for people to get information to others.

And companies and average citizens aren’t the only ones accessing the World Wide Web. Communities; have jumped on the Internet bandwagon as well.

The East Lansing Public Library began an e-mail notification service as well as an online computer catalog earlier this month, said Aaron Smith, head of circulation and interlibrary loans for the library, 950 Abbott Road.

“We are all about service, and want to provide the best service we can,” he said. “We take what technology has to offer and empower our patrons through that.”

Smith said the new e-mail notification service allows the library a quick way to notify patrons when a book they want is in.

“It is much quicker than regular mail, which takes one to two days,” he said. “E-mail is instantaneous.”

The online catalog allows people to see what the library has - books, magazines, books-on-tape and software, Smith said.

“Now we have people coming through the library doors,” he said. “Through the doors of the Web site as well as the physical library doors.”

The city of East Lansing also has a Web site that attempts to cater to the needs of residents.

Judith Taran, communication director for the city, said more and more people are Web-oriented, and the Internet is becoming a main information resource.

“Three years ago, about 50 percent of households in East Lansing were connected to the Internet,” she said. “I have to believe that number has improved - and it has increased in students as well.”

Taran also said the city is in the process of having its 6-year-old Web site totally redesigned.

“We want it to be accessible to people daily,” she said. “With spur of the moment (news) on the front page.”

She said the city wants to make the site more of a magazine format, as well as hire a Web specialist to oversee the design.

“Our Web site is rich with information, with over 1,000 pages of information,” she said. “I think there is one set of users curious about the community and another set looking for something specific, like the agenda of a meeting.”

Sarah Miller, a microbiology graduate student, said Web sites are important to people with computers and who are curious about the city.

“If you have a question it is easier to look on a Web site,” she said. “If I had a question about curbside pickup or recycling, I’d look online instead of calling.”

She also said the amount of use a Web site gets is extremely dependent on its appearance.

“It has to look professional,” she said. “It is definitely irritating to see a Web site not put together well - it’s all about being easy to use.”