The Vermont Online Library (VOL) Committee will be sending out an electronic survey to libraries in the next week to gather information about what online products they would like see included in the Vermont Online Library (collection of information databases) in the next contract cycle, 2011-2015. The survey will be sent out to all Vermont school, public and academic libraries. All libraries should complete a survey, including libraries that currently do not subscribe to VOL. Only one person per library should return the survey. The deadline for completing the survey is August 27. The VOL Committee will review survey results before issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to vendors and making the final decisions about what online content will be included in VOL beginning in 2011.
The Vermont Online Library currently includes information databases from Gale, H.W. Wilson, and ProQuest (HeritageQuest, available only in public libraries.) Current contracts for all of these products expire on December 31, 2010. New product contracts will begin January 1, 2011. Funding for the VOL comes from (approximately): 1/3 State of Vermont funds, 1/3 federal LSTA funds and 1/3 member fees from participating libraries.
Libraries should NOT send payment for Vermont Online Library products until they receive new VOL agreement forms with revised product listings and 2011 pricing. Agreements will be sent out to libraries in December. Once signed agreement forms are received, the Department of Libraries will send out invoices.
Questions about the Vermont Online Library can be sent to Martha Reid, Chair, VOL Selection Committee, or to other Committee members: Sheila Kearns, Department of Libraries; Gerrie Denison, Department of Libraries; Peter Spitzform, Bailey Howe Library, UVM; Robert Coleburn, Fletcher Free Library; Dan Greene, U-32 High School Library; Sue Monmaney, Montpelier High School Library; Stephanie Chase, Stowe Free Library, Emily Zervas, Rockingham Free Public Library, Maria Forman, Twinfield Union School Library, and Joe Farara, Johnson State College Library.
The Committee is also looking for a librarian from a Vermont private college library. If you are interested in joining the Committee, contact: Martha Reid at: martha.reid@state.vt.us
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Martha Reid
State Librarian
Vermont Department of Libraries
109 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05609-0601
Tel: (802) 828-3265
Fax: (802) 828-2199
Website: http://libraries.vermont.gov/