TexShare Public Library Members - It's been really hard to try to inform everyone about all the complexities of the new database contracts. One item that warrants its own email is a discussion of the public library access to First Search. Public libraries have enjoyed access to all First Search databases available through "block searches" since the public library database program began in 1995. There are about 300,000 searches left in the "block search" account. We will not put any additional funds into purchasing block searches. However, we will continue to provide public libraries with access to the current blocks until all 300,000 searches are used up. At the current rate of use, I expect that to be about three more years. A few things will be missing, however: (1)We will take down access to databases that are duplicative in scope and content to those in the TexShare core collection (no ABI Inform, no Periodicals Abstracts, no Wilson Select, no BIP, etc.) (2) These searches will be in-library only. (All the other TexShare databases, including the OCLC base package, allow remote access for your users.) I know this is a bit confusing. Feel free to contact me with questions. Beverley Shirley, Division Director Library Resource Sharing Texas State Library and Archives Commission (512) 463-5433 FAX (512) 936-2306 [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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