LANIC's mission is to facilitate access to Internet-based information to, from, or on Latin America. Its target audience includes people living in Latin America, as well as those around the world who have an interest in this region. While many of its resources are designed to facilitate research and academic endeavors, the site has also become an important gateway to Latin America for primary and secondary school teachers and students, private and public sector professionals, and just about anyone looking for information about this important region.

In addition to its core information services, LANIC sponsors several related programs, including a number of Internet-related Training Initiatives.

LANIC's editorially reviewed directories contain over 12,000 unique URL's, one of the largest guides for Latin American content on the Internet.