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Many TexShare librarians have asked why only a few library collections are displayed in each Library of Texas subject area, how the participating libraries were chosen, and how their library can be included. The libraries that show up as searchable resources on the initial search screen have had their collection strengths rated on a scale of 1-5 for each of the 10 subject areas used by the Library of Texas. * A rating of 3 will cause a collection to appear as a possible (unchecked) search target for users of nearby libraries. * A rating of 4 or 5 will cause a collection to be selected (checked) by default as a search target for users of nearby libraries. The five closest public and academic libraries with a strength of 3 or better are displayed. The current list of libraries searchable in the Library of Texas includes libraries that volunteered to participate in our pilot program last summer, and a few additional libraries that informed TSLAC about their Z39.50 services. At this point in time we are ready to add any willing TexShare library to the Library of Texas service. Participating libraries need to be connected to the Internet and be currently running a Z39.50 server as part of their library automation system. The best way to get your library listed is to have your staff member who handles library automation e-mail Kevin Marsh (see contact information below). If you are unsure about whether your system includes a Z39.50 server please contact your library automation vendor. Technical considerations: 1. Your automated library system must include a Z39.50 server that is running, compliant with the Bath profile, and accessible through the Internet from the State Library (IP addresses 204.65.32.170 and 204.65.32.174). 2. The host name, port number, and database name for your Z39.50 server must be provided to the State Library. 3. You must give the State Library permission to list your collection in the Library of Texas interface. You may also want to give the State Library permission to share your MARC records with other libraries. E-mail is sufficient for this permission, no physical signatures needed. Participating libraries may also wish to inform the State Library of their collection strengths on a scale of 1-5 in the 10 subject areas used by the Library of Texas( Business Information, General Information, History & Genealogy, Homework & Education, Librarian Tools, Literature & Criticism, Medicine & Health, Newspapers & Magazines, Science & Technology, Spanish Materials). If you provide a URL for a 75 x75 pixel image of your logo on your web server, we will be glad to display the logo on every Library of Texas page for users of your library. If you will provide the URLs for your library home page and your Web catalog we will include those appropriately as well. Kevin Marsh, Network Services Librarian Library Resource Sharing Division Texas State Library and Archives Commission (512) 463-5534 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
