For a more detailed review of the acquisitions, please see this link to an acquisition project.  In my resource section, there is a page for acquisitions links.  

Access to Digital Resources.

The digital information age has changed the way library media specialists view resources.  A major challenge today is reviewing electronic resources, identifying those that best fit the needs of the school, and making them most accessible to users.

Electronic databases are offered in different formats or via the Internet.  Decisions will need to be made as to how to make them available, how many user are anticipated at one time, and where they should be available.  Different types of licensing agreements are available and the best one to choose will involve careful consideration.  Security issues will need to be reviewed to ensure compliance with limitations and restrictions of licenses.  Most licenses are ongoing subscriptions and will need to be funded each year.  When planning and budgeting for Internet resources, all those costs need to be considered (data line, ISP, phone line) as well as the technical considerations (hardware compatibility/capacity, printers, paper, printer cartridges, disks, maintenance, upgrades, and technical support.

Web-Based Catalogs

As libraries move to automated systems, Web-based versions that can be accessed from any Internet connection are becoming important options.  Systems that provide the ability to incorporate other databases as part of the on-line catalogs are becoming popular.  In my resource section, there is a page for acquisitions links that includes sites of vendor systems that offer links to web resources with an online catalogs (for a fee).  The newest development is an all-in-one search engine like Follet's One Search in its Find-It-All Collection that allows the user to search the library's catalog, selected websites, and databases the library licenses all at once.

Library Web Sites

Increasingly, library media specialists are actively involved with selection and organization of electronic resources.  Sites that provide generic lists of links for educators and students include:

Today's library media specialist can enhance the value of their services by developi9ng Web sites specifically for their curriculum.  This is a time consuming process that needs to be constantly updated and re-evaluated.  Some of this work can be provided by adult volunteers that have been provided with appropriate selection criterion regarding content, currency, and credibility.  It also can be an excellent area for students to participate in as class assignments or extracurricular activities.

In my resource section, there is a page for acquisitions links that includes sites to school Web pages and other resources that address issues concerning school web pages.