Abstract: An information processing system is programmed to give a user access to a first subset of information items using a first hierarchical multi-level menu-structure on a local work station and to a second such subset using a second such menu-structure on an internet server. The second menu-structure includes at least the sub-menus provided in the first menu-structure. The second information subset includes at least the information items included in the first subset. A user leaving the first menu-structure at a particular sub-menu will enter the second menu-structure in a sub-menu that corresponds to the particular sub-menu. When the user selects to access an information item in the second subset using the second menu, if a current version of the information item is available in the first subset, then unless otherwise specified, the information item in the first subset is accessed as a substitute.