In 1995, Dr. R. Jerry Adams began developing an Internet library database.   Federal funds were used to sponsor a Web site that allowed the public to gain access to the privately held database.   In 1996 a second federal program sponsored a Web interface under the name of "Library-in-the-Sky" so that the public could continue to gain access. In May of 1997, the Evaluation and Development Insitute (EDI) began offering the database through the Web portal "Awesome Library."   EDI, co-owner of the database, has also issued licenses to other organizations to utilize it.