CFLC Chronicles: Playing Catch-Up

Posting has fallen a bit behind, so here's a smorgasbord of news items.

A news release from the Secretary of State detailing some great news for schools:

July 19, 2005

Secretary of State Announces Unprecedented Initiative Providing Equal Access to Electronic Information for all Students in Florida's Public Schools

~Reinforces Governor Bush's Equity in Education Initiative~

TALLAHASSEE, FL- Secretary of State Glenda E. Hood announced today the Florida Department of State, State Library and Archives of Florida will provide access to a vast array of electronic resources to all Florida public schools through the Florida Electronic Library (http://www.flelibrary.org). The provision of this core set of databases contributes significantly to the Equity in Education component of Governor Bush's One Florida initiative by offering equal information access to all public schools regardless of their location or socioeconomic factors. "The Florida Electronic Library represents the next generation of educational resources," said Secretary Hood. "It is exciting to know that all students attending Florida public schools will have access to this wealth of information whether they live in the state's smallest community or a large metropolitan area."

Currently, Florida has approximately 2,600 public schools, educating over 2.7 million students. In the state of Florida, subscription-based, Internet-delivered research databases are traditionally purchased individually by each school district if their finances allow. An informal survey found that only 26 of the 67 school districts currently purchase some, but not all, of these databases. By funding these electronic resources, the Department of State is leveling the playing field for all students in Florida's public education system. This effort is unprecedented and invaluable. Now, 100 percent of Florida's public school systems will have access to the most comprehensive, accurate and reliable information available through the Florida Electronic Library. School systems that previously purchased databases will now be able to utilize these funds for other important programs and those that currently lack the resources will have equal access to information.

The Florida Electronic library is a gateway to resources that include electronic magazines, newspapers, almanacs, encyclopedias and books, providing information on topics such as current events, business and health issues. The Florida Electronic Library offers information for all age groups, including homework help for students and resources for teachers. These 12 databases, purchased via subscription from Thomson Gale, will be offered free of charge to all of Florida's 2.7 million students enrolled in the public education system.

A statewide study titled, Making the Grade: The Status of School Library Media Centers in the Sunshine State and How They Contribute to Student Achievement, states both statewide guidelines for school library media programs and state-licensed online databases aid in addressing inequities in access to information and quality resources. In addition to substantial per-pupil cost savings, online databases including reference materials, full text magazines, and newspapers guarantee access to students no matter the size or location of their school. "Purchase of the Thomson Gale electronic databases enriches the resources available to teachers and school librarians in planning their classroom curriculum," said State Librarian Judith A. Ring. "The timing is perfect, as educators across Florida are preparing for the new school year."

The Florida Electronic Library, which was launched in December 2003, is provided through a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Florida Department of State, State Library and Archives of Florida. Guided by the Florida Library Network Council and the State Library and Archives of Florida, the Florida Electronic Library features access to a selection of electronic magazine and newspaper databases, Florida's digital library collections, and the Ask a Librarian online reference service.

In 2004, Thomson Gale responded to the great needs of Florida's schools and libraries that were damaged by the state's devastating hurricane season by providing them, free of charge, with much-needed information resources. Thomson Gale (http://www.gale.com) is a global leader in serving the world's information and education needs through resources that are used by students and consumers in their libraries, schools and on the Internet.

A related announcement from CFLC: For an extensive guided hands-on exploration of the Florida Electronic Library, come to the pair of upcoming workshops, Florida Electronic Library Overview and Florida Electronic Library Databases at Volusia on Tuesday, August 30.

An item pertaining to the statewide Ask a Librarian service: As of July 19, Ask a Librarian's screens feature "co-branding," with the logos of participating libraries sharing the banner with the Ask a Librarian logo once patrons have selected a participating library. Check out the CFLC/Ask a Librarian page here.

Finally, a CFLC workshop announcement posted on behalf of Daniel Wright, CFLC's Member Services Librarian:

I am happy to inform you that there are still spaces available at the Indian River Community College, St. Lucie West campus location, for the Gentle Introduction to Library IT workshop on Thursday, July 28, 9:30a.m. - 3:30p.m., with IT consultant Mickey R. Boyd.

The Orlando location for the first session is full but there are spaces available for the August & September dates.

Please register for the first in the series by Monday, July 25th at the
CFLC website or by calling 407-644-9050.

SUBJECTS: CFLC CHRONICLES; WORKSHOP WEALTH