Re: Impact of statewide database deals

[Ann Okerson <ann.okerson@yale.edu>]

Further to Bernie Sloan's message inquiring about the impact of statewide
database deals, the state of CT has recently made avaialable digital
resources in two categories:  (1) for all residents/citizens of CT (this
includes some general databases such as those of Gale; and (2) selected
academic databases for authorized users of all the State's colleges and
universities.  The 1st batch of databases has recently been implemented.  
The 2nd initiative is just beginning the negotiation and implementation
process.

The terms and conditions under which the funds are granted by the
Department of Education of CT clearly state that the contents of these
databases will be available to all CT colleges and universities, *and*
that currently expended funds that may be released within individual
institutions because of the State's investment, must remain for other
Library collections.  I.e., the State funds are not to offset
institutional investments in library resources but to supplement them.

It is too early to assess the impact of these resources, but there's
no doubt that they will be important to the readers in the state of CT.

Ann Okerson
Yale University
NERL (NorthEast Research Libraries consortium)
ann.okerson@yale.edu