Statewide Database Package Unveiled (AIRS)

Posted on behalf of Michelle Jeske…

Subscription information for the 2009/2010 Colorado Statewide Database Package is now available.

All current subscribers will soon receive a packet from BCR that includes:

• Invoice for your library for 2009/2010
• List of the databases included in the 2009/2010 package and
  subscriber pricing
• Contact and additional information

New subscribers can find information about the package, pricing, and a link to the online order form on the AIRS website…

As most of you know, the past year has been one of triumphs and troubles for the Colorado Statewide Database Package and its subscribers.  The $1.0 million state appropriation that supported on-line database products to schools and libraries throughout the state became a casualty of the budget cuts in the waning days of the 2009 legislative session.  To help with the shortfall, the Colorado State Library has committed in LSTA funds approximately 20% of the amount lost so that AIRS could hold subscription prices to the tiered pricing structure developed and implemented last year.

Given the rapid changes in funding, the AIRS committee worked hard to put together a package of databases that still provides valuable content for all types of libraries. While the full depth and breadth of content in the 2009/2010 package could not be sustained without significant price increases, this package offers access to the most heavily used resources across all types of libraries in the state, as indicated by data gathered over the last year.

The concept of a statewide, shared-cost database program should not be lost. If database services are in fact a key ingredient in your library’s customer service, it is imperative that everyone who participated previously maintain involvement this year; otherwise the loss of state funding becomes justified and restoration efforts will be far more difficult next year.

We know these are challenging times for all libraries. But now, more than ever, it is important to come together in a cooperative fashion to achieve the greatest levels of benefit and discount.  We greatly appreciate continued participation by current subscribers and eagerly welcome new participating schools and libraries.

If you have any questions regarding your library’s subscription to the Colorado Statewide Database Package, please contact Chris Cook at BCR (ccook@bcr.org or 303.751.6277)

If you have any questions or comments regarding the Colorado Statewide Database Package, please contact any member of the AIRS committee.

Thank you for your support and patience.  And many thanks to the members of the AIRS Committee, the Colorado State Library, and BCR.

Michelle Jeske
Acting Director of Collections and Technology
Manager of Web Information Services and Community Technology Center
Denver Public Library