Collections Subcommittee Minutes

Miko met with us and filled us in on the context of the Commonwealth Virtual Library, the funding question and the relationship of the library to the Commonwealth Virtual University.  Although the CVL should support the CVU, the scope of databases should be useful to a wider constituency than students of the CVU. It was reported that the start-up date for the CVU is likely to be September 1999.

Miko suggested (and will recommend to the authorizing groups) that the participating libraries' matching money for the CVL be what they are currently contributing to the KLN FirstSearch project.

The remainder of the discussion focused on databases, which should be considered part of the basic group (ones the cost of which would be partly shared by the participating libraries) and the general group (cost to be borne by CPE).

Databases in the current FirstSearch base package, a full-text periodical database yet to be chosen offered through FS, World Almanac and an encyclopedia yet to be chosen would comprise the basic group.

The general group would be composed of the remaining databases on our original list with at least the addition of another full-text periodical database, a music index and any other suggestions that group members have to make.   These are the databases to be funded by CPE.

The group then spent some time talking about arranging for vendor visits/product demonstrations. It was suggested that we have written criteria in place for evaluating the vendors and their products as demonstrated. Miko distributed several examples of criteria from other state-wide virtual library projects.

The group agreed to review the examples of criteria and to send their suggestions for a final list to Bonnie by Monday, May 4. Miko, Cathy Reilander, Charlene and Bonnie will compile the list. They will also gather the suggestions for additional databases. Both the compilation and the additional suggestions will then be sent out to the list.

When all the suggested added database ideas are received, Miko will contact vendors to set up presentations for the group. It was suggested that Charlene, Miko and Bonnie be the ones to handle negotiating contracts with the vendors chosen after their presentations to the group.

The work group will have a chance to meet with our consultant, Bill Potter, during his return visit the week of May 4.

The meeting ended at 2:15 p.m.