Data system and method for accessing a computer network using a collection of bar code symbols

A method of accessing data resources on a computer network, comprising the steps of:

• a) printing machine-readable symbols and human-readable indicia on pages in a book, each symbol being encoded with a computer network address at which data resources are stored, each indicium being located adjacent a respective symbol and identifying the respective symbol to a human operator;
• b) supplying the book to the operator for selection of a symbol identified by a respective indicium;
• c) supporting and operating a portable, hand-held terminal by the operator, including the step of aiming a reader on the terminal at the symbol for reading and decoding the symbol to obtain the address encoded therein;
• d) accessing and retrieving the data resources stored at the address of the decoded symbol by establishing a wireless communication link between the terminal and the network;
• and
• e) visually displaying to the operator the data resources retrieved from the address of the decoded symbol on a display provided on the terminal.