Online Resources Update
Directors, based on discussions and recommendations from the Online Resources Task Force of public librarians, we are pleased to announce that we are moving forward with RFPs for online resources related to these topic areas:
- Online Encyclopedia/General Reference Tool
- Homework Help
- Legal Forms
- Business & Residential Directories
- Library Customer Engagement and Training
- Grant Research Tool
We know there is not a one-size-fits-all package of resources that will meet the need of every Iowa library, but we believe these types of resources will provide the most benefit to a broad cross-section of libraries.
A huge thank you to our Task Force members who contributed their time and effort during this process to review feedback from focus groups and survey results, attend meetings, and provide productive and thought-provoking discussions: Brianne Anderson (Ames), Michelle Andersen (Atlantic), Amy Muchmore (Carnegie-Stout/Dubuque), Tyler Hahn (Cherokee), Andrew Hoppmann (Lied/Clarinda), Joan Grothoff (Eldora), Sarah Clendineng (Fort Madison), Jason Paulios (Iowa City), Heather Libby (Knoxville), Shirley Taylor (Le Mars), Amy White (Lisbon), Katie Fink (Marshalltown), Ron Houk (Ottumwa), Teresa Dahlgren (Waterloo), and Louise Alcorn (West Des Moines).
Next Step: RFP Process
State Library staff have begun the process of drafting RFPs related to the above topic areas and will work with State of Iowa procurement to post these as bid opportunities soon. Once the proposals from vendors are received, we will reach out to the Task Force and ask for a small group of volunteers to sit on the team to evaluate the proposals.
While we'll pursue an RFP for each type of resource, we cannot make any guarantees on what, if any, resources will be selected from the RFPs or which vendors will be selected. Assuming a successful RFP process with vendor(s) selected, the State Library administration will then weigh different funding options and choose the best method of paying for the costs of any selected products.
At this point, the timeline for the RFP process is variable, and it is not possible to announce a target date when the new resources will be ready to roll out to libraries. We will continue to give updates on the RFP process and timeline as information becomes available.
Resources Discontinuing July 1
As a reminder, the following resources will be discontinued July 1, 2021. We will provide additional reminders and guidance in the coming months to ease the transition to the new resources as much as possible.
- Gale Databases (including Chilton Library and Opposing Viewpoints)
- Credo
- Transparent Language
- Ebsco Wilson Core Collection
- OCLC FirstSearch (Note: we are working with OCLC to reach an agreeable subscription option for Iowa libraries that wish to remain with the service. Also, this change does not affect the CatExpress consortium.)
(Other resources are under different contract timelines and will continue to be offered in FY22; these include: Bridges, Brainfuse, and Bold360 Chat.)
We are happy with at the progress made so far and excited at the prospect of offering new resources to support libraries and benefit Iowans!
Click the link below for more information on this project:
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