This article presents a reading of the user interface in one public library system. Its aim is to find out the frames and competences required and used in the communication between the computer and the patron. The authors see the computer as a text that is to be read by the user who wants to search for information from the library. The transition from the traditional library to the digital library has meant that the communication process has changed radically. It seems that library systems are planned mainly for the advanced user, i.e. for librarians or individuals with a librarian's skills. Some suggestions on how to improve this situation are given. (Contains 2 figures.)