LIBRARIANS worldwide have united in thanks for a pioneering new initiative which includes Somerset.

Internet users across the globe can speak face to face with a librarian 24 hours a day thanks to a partnership between Somerset County Council, Richland County in South Carolina, USA, and Brisbane, Australia.

The groundbreaking 'Answers Now Service' was highlighted in a visit to Taunton by David Warren, chief librarian in Richland County.

Rob Froud, Somerset's head of cul-tural services, said: "The new service is available through our website at www.somerset.gov.uk/libraries and involves a real-time dialogue with a librarian who will answer the question you ask.

"The service is a world first which not only provides a special service but does so in a partnership at one-third of the cost."