 Minitex staff have been busy this summer! This information may appear dated, but we know that many of our K-12 and academic librarians “power down” in the summer. Soon, we will be through the process of getting everyone geared back up with important information that is needed to provide access to our valuable free Electronic Library of Minnesota (ELM) resources. When you are finished reviewing this post, you will want to also review a related post about a new ELM resource, Learning Express!June 20, 2014 Minitex Announces New Suite of eResourcesOn behalf of the Minnesota Department of Education – State Library Services, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Online Dakota Information Network (ODIN), the North Dakota State Library, South Dakota Library Network (SDLN), the South Dakota State Library, and itself, Minitex is pleased to announce the databases and database packages recommended by the Minitex Electronic Information Resources (MEIR) Task Force. This was a result of the Request for Proposal (RFP) that was developed and issued during 2013-2014. These collaborative partners realize the importance of statewide access to a common suite of databases to the libraries and school media centers within and among the three states. In coordination with Elaine Kelash, Manager/Contracts Specialist, University of Minnesota Purchasing, Minitex will finalize award and license agreements with the following vendors for access to the following statewide electronic resources. These resources will be available beginning July 1, 2014–June 30, 2019. Current access will continue uninterrupted.
Two Gannett papers, the St. Cloud Times and the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, from ProQuest were not renewed. This was a Minnesota-only subscription. Additional information will follow over the coming weeks as we work with LearningExpress to set up access. Access to LearningExpress products for current subscribers will continue without interruption. We understand the work and time any changes may take to implement in your libraries and schools and will provide needed information as quickly as possible. The Minitex CPERS staff, Rita Baladad, Tim Peters, and Anne Hatinen, and the vendors’ sales teams will work closely with you as some of you transition between vendor products (for example, the two Gannett papers). Similarly, the Minitex Reference Outreach & Instruction staff, Jennifer Hootman, Matt Lee, Carla Steinberg Pfahl, and Beth Staats, and vendors’ staff will work to provide instruction and training for you and your colleagues on the resources we have awarded. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Parker, Minitex, m-park1@umn.edu, 800-462-5348, or 612-624-1024. |