http://tinyurl.com/5phzg7
The three sectors in BC that provide services to students and the public are exploring opportunities to work together to align their online database licensing and acquisitions.
The groups involved in this initiative are:
ERAC - Educational Resource Acquisition Consortium representing K-12 schools in B.C.
PLSB - Public Library Services Branch representing public library branches in B.C.
BC ELN - Electronic Library Network representing universities, institutes and colleges in B.C.
Notice is hereby given by ERAC, PLSB and BCELN of their intent to enter into direct negotiations for licensing Online Database Resources for the three sectors in the Province of British Columbia. The three sectors and groups have identified three online databases to enable a Provincial approach to licensing. The products identified have a significant installed base in these sectors and where for a reasonable investment, these resources can be accessed provincially by all sector groups.
Additional funds have been made available through the Ministry of Education and Advanced Education to add to what is being currently spent on existing databases in the Province of BC. In doing this licensing will be made available to all participants under a coordinated multi-year agreement. Based on our collective analysis Encyclopedia of BC, EBSCO and World Book have been identified as being the most likely candidates for this consolidated Provincial approach. The three sectors intend to enter into direct negotiations with these companies. Our data, understanding and research indicates there are no other competing products that have:
- A significant installed base in BC that overlaps the various sectors
- A resource that is considered a defacto standard in the BC system
- Resources and content that is appropriate and required across the three sectors
- Proven correlation to BC curriculum and learning outcomes
- Appropriate teacher and library resources, support and training for immediate use
- Appropriate Canadian content for immediate use, implementation and application
- An in-depth understanding of the three existing BC public sector groups and current operational models
- An established business relationship with the groups in BC showing a proven track record with previous licensing implementations within these sectors
If a company has licensing that meets the above criteria and would like to be included in these negotiations please make your submission by mail, fax or e-mail to Ian Mulcaster, Resource Acquisition Coordinator. The submission should outline how you believe you meet the necessary criteria and why you should be included in any negotiations or proposals entertained. The submissions are to be received before closing time at the addresses and numbers specified in this posting.
