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7, Number 2 June 2003 Electronic Resources Instructional Development Library Automation Media Booking Union Catalog Return to the INFOhio Central The RECORD is published by INFOhio, the Information Network for Ohio Schools, Theresa M. Fredericka, Executive Director. Making copies of this newsletter, in whole or in part, is encouraged. Please acknowledge or cite INFOhio. |
INFOhio's State-Funded Resources: What we know about the state's budget Most of the funding for INFOhio's Electronic Resources was included in the Ohio House version of the state budget passed April 9, 2003. The legislation, HB 95, was still being considered by the Senate Finance and Financial Institutions Committee in late May. If the Senate passes the House version, and the conference committee and Governor agree, the state will fund all current electronic resources, except American National Biography, which will be funded by one of INFOhio's partner organizations. "Through the generosity of one of our partners, American National Biography will be funded for the next two school years," explains INFOhio Executive Director Theresa M. Fredericka. "The organization feels that the stability of the INFOhio Electronic Resources is beneficial for all schools, as well as to INFOhio." More information about INFOhio's Legislative Action Plan is available. LCO: Additional resources are
possible for 2003-2004 Libraries Connect Ohio proposed to the State Library of Ohio that LSTA funds be used to purchase several online electronic resources for all Ohio citizens, and the State Library Board approved this proposal on May 29, 2003. If the state budget passes with required funding to support each networks' electronic resources, Ohio citizens will have free access to a host of new resources. A complete list of the proposed items is available. Usernames/Passwords to remain the same for 2003-2004 Based on the recommendations of INFOhio's Electronic Resources Task Force and many end users, INFOhio Central has decided that the usernames and passwords used for accessing the current INFOhio Electronic Resources will remain the same for the 2003-2004 school year. INFOhio intends to use the same usernames/passwords for any new resources that become available, if the new vendors agree. "INFOhio has been fortunate to be able to standardize usernames and passwords for multiple vendors over multiple years, an indication of vendors' willingness to cooperate with INFOhio," said Charles Schmiesing, INFOhio Technical Support specialist. "However, the more vendors we deal with the less likely it is that all will agree to standardize on one set of usernames/passwords. Vendors are concerned about non-authorized individuals using their products." Preview 2003 for
building and district purchases Remember the discounts available through INFOhio's Electronic Resources Vendor Preview 2003. More than 130 products from 29 vendors were part of this year's preview, and background and contact information remain available on the INFOhio Web site. A printed price list for Preview 2003 was mailed to each Ohio K-12 school in January. Several Ohio library colleagues have reviewed Preview 2003 products to help you evaluate the resources, collected as the Mini-Spotlights Archive. As you finalize 2003-2004 budget requests, consider purchasing other electronic resources that support your school's curriculum. |