Pulse/Auaha, a new website launched in June, is a Christchurch City Libraries' initiative. The one-stop spot is designed to meet the needs of a teenage audience, particularly those aged under 18 years old and living in the Christchurch area. Pulse is at http://pulse.christchurch.org.nz Teenagers determined the name, look and content of the new website - with students from local high schools contributing photographs.

The information ranges from emotions to how to get a restricted driver's licence. The content is regularly updated and there are links to useful sites, many of which have interactivity - message boards, forums and opportunities to display stories and artwork. There are places to submit reviews about music, books and movies. Pulse is open for discussions about the issues teenagers want to discuss. The site will regularly host moderated chat-room sessions with highprofile guests.

As well, it has monthly competitions offering prizes including a $250 Discman, boxed sets of Lord of the Rings, and a $100 clothing voucher.

In June and July Pulse got over 2600 visits, with more than 8000 page views in June. Many school staff members and others working with teenagers are enthusiastic about the site, saying it is filling an information gap for the city's under 18-year-olds.

Point Pulse out to teenagers. It is at http://pulse.christchurch.org.nz