Library users in Oxfordshire will be able to renew their books or place requests via the Internet by early 2004.

The county council's library service is putting the finishing touches to a new contract with expert library management system suppliers, DS Ltd.

By April 2004, for the first time, all 43 branch and seven mobile libraries will be computerised.

The move will mean users will be able to use the Internet to check if a book they want is available elsewhere in the county, if it is not on the shelves at their local library.

Neil Fawcett, executive member for learning and culture, said: "This will bring real changes to the way libraries operate.

"With the other improvements, such as the installation of broadband technology, and with many more PCs and free Internet access, our libraries are going to be at the cutting edge of 21st century developments. These are very exciting times.

"Our library service was recently judged by the Audit Commission as being fair, with promising prospects for improvement.

"These developments show the people of Oxfordshire exactly what some of these improvements will involve."

County librarian Andrew Coggins added: "The system will make a major contribution to the modernisation of the county council's libraries and, when completed, will offer significant improvements countywide."

Branch libraries across the county are reopening on Thursday (January 2).

The central library in Oxford was open yesterday and today It is closed tomorrow, reopening on Thursday.