[WEB4LIB] Impact of statewide database deals?

[Erin Kinney]

Here in Wyoming, we have been doing "statewide" database access through the WYLD (WYoming Libraries Database) Network for several years.  The WYLD Network includes all public libraries and community colleges, and a few other libraries (like high schools).  So, anyone who had a library card from one of those libraries could access the databases, which means that any citizen could access them.  The databases were paid from 60% member fees, and 40% from the Wyoming State Library (mostly LSTA monies).  However, as of the 2000 legislative session, the State Library is paying for them all, and the access is truly statewide.  Therefore, non-consortium members, like schools and special libraries, are able to access the databases, and receive training on how to use them.

The databases are authenticated using IP recognition, which has caused some problems in the non-WYLD schools.  WYLD Network members are assigned IPs from a block from the state, so there was no problem in controlling and assigning numbers for them.  However, it has been difficult to obtain IP addresses from others.  The WEN (Wyoming Equality Network) is the WAN for the school districts in Wyoming, including the community colleges, and the systems librarians have been working diligently with the WEN network people to make sure that we have all of the correct IPs, and to inform us when they change.  

For patrons not located within a library (such as at home), we used to assign passwords to the databases, and authenticate the users using their library card and PIN, and provide the passwords for each database.  However, we now have a proxy server that allows the user to input the card and PIN once, and then opens up a frames page that allows the patron to bounce between databases without having to go through the process of retrieving passwords.

A word on vendors: many of the vendors I have spoken with seem confused by our statewide database selection process.  We here at the State Library do not presume to know what our constituents want, so we go through a long process of soliciting database suggestions, and trials, and then every library gets a vote.  In a sparsely populated state, it isn't difficult to know all of the reference librarians at all 23 county libraries and the 7 community colleges.  Also, trying to get pricing for a state that has a population of under 500,000 (493,782--2000 Census) is also trying.

As to the impact on libraries--I have heard from many school librarians and media specialists that it has saved them, especially in the poorer or more rural school districts.  However, the downside is the compromise that everyone has to make; the meeting point between elementary school librarians and college librarians, for example, and the disparities in type of databases needed to fill their mission.


WYLD Network: http://www-wsl.state.wy.us/wyld/index.html
GoWYLD: http://gowyld.net/ 


Erin Kinney
Electronic Resources Librarian
Wyoming State Library
2301 Capitol Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0060
(307) 777-6332
http://www-wsl.state.wy.us/
ekinne at state.wy.us