The NCAA membership and the general public soon will be able to use the Internet to order NCAA books, compact disks and videotapes.

Beginning in early August, individuals with access to the Internet will be able to connect to a Web site that will feature the same products that are available through the NCAA publications catalog (also known as the NCAA Sports Library). Until now, customers have been able to order by phone or mail.

Those options remain, but the Internet will provide customers with a greater opportunity to order at their convenience. Members will be able to order through the Web site by using purchase orders, and all customers will be able to make secure credit card transactions.

Michael J. King, NCAA business center manager, emphasized that fulfillment costs for the Association will decrease as customers move away from phone orders and toward the Internet. To provide an incentive for ordering through the Internet, King said the NCAA is considering discounting the price of products ordered through the Internet.

The Web site will offer other benefits that are not available via phone or mail. For instance, the availability of certain publications will be noted on the Web site. Also, customers will be alerted of problems such as delays or errors in publications.

Another advantage is that the Web site will be linked to the United Parcel Service Web site. After an order has been placed, the customer will receive a follow-up e-mail from UPS containing shipping information.

The site was tested throughout July by a core group of membership users, King said. Customers also are asked to provide feedback after the system becomes operational.

Customers can access the site through the publications section of NCAA Online (www.ncaa.org).