Statewide Database Licensing Project - Spring 2000 Trials
Gale 

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(Note from the Washington State Library:  In order to participate in the Spring 2000 Washington State Databases Trial, each vendor was asked to address questions the Statewide Database Licensing Committee felt were most critical in order for library staff to evaluate products and vendors.  Please contact the vendor's representative, listed below, for additional information on this product.)

1. Describe the database product(s). Include information on subject scope, percentage of full-text, dates of coverage, target audience (including age ranges), and how often the contents are updated.  

For Academic and Public Libraries

Student Resource Center-College Edition

The Student Resource Center-College Edition is a new, comprehensive, cross-curricular electronic reference that provides college and college-prep libraries and schools with an expansive collection of resources. It fully integrates thousands of primary documents, background and topical essays, biographies and critical analyses with current full-text periodicals and newspapers. The result offers students the context and real-life relevance they need to effectively integrate technology and real-world issues into the curriculum and research process. This database contains the following types of content:

Health Reference Center-Academic 

Health Reference Center-Academic provides access to the full text of health and wellness, family health, medicine, alternative medicine, nursing, allied health, health administration, mental health, senior health, professional and refereed journals; plus a wide variety of personal health information sources. This database offers full indexing to 228 health and medical periodicals (202 with full text--) as well as health related articles from the over 1,500 general interest periodicals that the Gale Group indexes. Health Reference Center-Academic has a rolling backfile of the past 4 years of indexing, because of the dynamic nature of consumer health information. (Older consumer health information is often out of date and incorrect.) In addition, Health Reference Center-Academic provides indexing and full text of 2,500 topical overviews from Clinical Reference Systems and 700 full text medical pamphlets. Finally, full text is available for the following reference books:

Promt � 

Promt � is a leading multi-industry database for business research application. It is noted for its comprehensive, reliable, and international coverage of companies, products, markets, and technologies and its vast and diverse collection of trade and business journals, newsletters and newspapers. Promt's precise and powerful indexing enables searchers to combine products with events and geographic codes. Ensuring relevant and focused retrieval. Promt provides indexing to 1000 titles and full text to 700 titles. Promt contains articles for the current year plus a rolling backfile of the past three years.


Contemporary Authors, Contemporary Literary Criticism Select, 
and Dictionary of Literary Biography 

Contemporary Authors, Contemporary Literary Criticism Select, and Dictionary of Literary Biography - Access three of the world's premier literature resources with a single search when you simultaneously search Contemporary Authors, Contemporary Literary Criticism Select (CLC Select) and Dictionary of Literary Biography (DLB), you'll find in-depth information on the lives and writings of nearly 100,000 authors along with critical reaction to their works. This series includes integrated indexes to both the DLB and CLC print series.

For more than 35 years, Contemporary Authors has been the primary resource for information on modern authors, including those who were active prior to 1960 and whose works continue to influence contemporary literature. The database covers more than 100,000 current writers in a wide range of media, including:

Contemporary Literary Criticism (CLC) is the world's leading resource for information on modern literature. Since the appearance of the first volume of CLC in 1973, students, teachers, librarians, and other researchers have grown to depend on this RASD Award-winning reference work for timely critical analysis of key literary works.

Now, CLC Select offers not only the benefits of online access to this information but also, for the first time, provides subject-term accessibility and an overall index that extends to every volume in this extensive series. Contemporary Literary Criticism Select presents significant published criticism on the works of novelists, poets, playwrights, short story writers, and other creative writers now living or who died after Dec. 31, 1959. A strong emphasis is placed on including criticism of works by established authors who frequently appear on syllabuses of high school and college literature courses. Each entry contains:

The Dictionary of Literary Biography (DLB) series, both well known and highly praised, now contains more than 200 bound volumes. While DLB will continue to be an important reference work in print, the addition of this Internet-accessible version offered as part of the GaleNet service will extend the functionality of this rich reference resource and make it available to smaller collections. The Dictionary of Literary Biography not only provides the benefits of online access, but, for the first time, offers subject-term accessibility, and overall indexing that will eventually extend to every volume in this extensive series. The essays of Dictionary of Literary Biography outline the lives and careers of authors from all eras and genres and summarize the critical response to their work. In addition, each DLB entry contains:

For K-12 Libraries

Junior Reference Collection

Junior Reference Collection: With nearly 12,000 documents, 8,500 photographs and illustrations, 50 video and audio clips, and 3 complete Merriam-Webster's dictionaries (Collegiate, Biographical, and Geographical), the Junior Reference Collection is a complete reference source. The Junior Reference Collection is a comprehensive, cross-curricular research tool that combines the following U*X*L products into one database that is simple to navigate, easy to comprehend, and supports classroom learning:

The JRC's search paths are distinguished by subject area---People, Places, Subjects, Authors, Books, Timeline---and the results are categorized by document type---Overview Essay, Biography, and Timeline Event.

DISCovering Authors Modules

DISCovering Authors Modules (Complete set) offers fast and easy access to biographical, bibliographical, and critical information on 1,260 of the most studied authors from ancient times to the present. The database represents scores of nations, cultures, time periods, and genres, including entries on such authors as Muhammad, Shakespeare, Ernest Hemingway, and Amy Tan. Authors included in this product are some of the most-studied novelists, poets, dramatists, with special emphasis on multicultural and popular and genre fiction.

For each author, there are two types of entries: Biography and Criticism. Their biography contains links to the related criticism documents, while each criticism document contains a link to the author biography.

DISCovering Multicultural America

DISCovering Multicultural America is a thoroughly integrated multimedia reference source that offers information on the culture, history and current status of America's largest and most often studied ethnic groups: African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native North Americans. DISCovering Multicultural America provides information on people, significant documents, timeline events, landmarks, organizations, essays, periodical articles and glossary terms. The information can be accessed through a number of search paths, as well as retrieved through more than 22,000 intuitive hypertext links. Researchers will discover:

DISCovering Science

DISCovering Science offers a broad look at the history, people, inventions, discoveries, theories, life forms and objects that make up the world of science. With more than 13,500 entries, DISCovering Science contains information on physical and applied sciences, medicine, technology, information sciences, mathematics, and many other scientific fields. The database includes:

DISCovering U.S. History

DISCovering U.S. History stresses connections between people and the nation-shaping events in which they participated through 15,000 essays, biographies, event descriptions and primary source documents from 5000 B.C. to 1996. Users will find comprehensive and engaging essays devoted to such diverse topics as: government and politics; art, dance, film and music; business and the economy; science and technology, and social history. This database includes:

DISCovering World History

DISCovering World History leads students and researchers to a critical understanding of the past by helping them explore the interplay between key persons, places and events. Students and researchers will find comprehensive and engaging essays on government and politics; art, dance, film and music; business and the economy; science and technology; and social history. Included in this database are:

EXPLORING Poetry

EXPLORING Poetry is an excellent tool for helping students to understand the meaning and nuances of a poem. It has easy-to-understand explanations of 275 of the best-loved and most-often studied poems of all time. This database includes:

EXPLORING Shakespeare

EXPLORING Shakespeare helps students gain an understanding of William Shakespeare's four most frequently taught plays: "Hamlet," "Julius Caesar," "Macbeth" and "Romeo and Juliet." This database contains:

2. What are the hardware and software requirements for using all the features of the product?

The answer to this question depends upon the platform on which a particular database runs. The following databases in this offer run on the InfoTrac platform:

Health Reference Center - Academic, Promt,  Contemporary Literary Criticism

The following databases in this offer run on the GaleNet platform:

Student Resource Center- College Edition; Contemporary Authors, Contemporary Literary Criticism Select, and Dictionary of Literary Biography - as a package; Junior Reference Collection; DISCovering Authors; DISCovering Multicultural America; DISCovering Science; DISCovering U.S. History; DISCovering World History; EXPLORING Poetry; EXPLORING Shakespeare

Databases running on InfoTrac Web:

World Wide Web access to InfoTrac Web using Graphic User Interfaces like Netscape Navigator 3.0 or higher and Microsoft Internet Explorer Web Browsers 3.0 or higher as well as character-based browsers like Lynx is available. Web access is available on every computer that supports a graphical Web client. This includes Windows, Macintosh and UNIX-based operating systems. The InfoTrac Basic interface supports older versions of Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer such as Netscape 1.0. For Windows based web browsers an 80486 or better PC is recommended to handle the graphical portion of the documents. The InfoTrac Web server provides retrieved documents in "compound document" format. Both ASCII text and images are delivered to the web browser. The "compound document" format facilitates speeding delivery of the articles to the desktop while providing the full editorial content of the original publication. Web browsers with Adobe Acrobat Reader installed as a helper application can retrieve, view, and print fully bitmapped PDF (300/600 dpi) journal articles. A modem speed of 28.8 BPS is the minimum modem speed for acceptable delivery of ASCII text and compound documents. For optimal response time and performance a fractional T-1 line is estimated as necessary for fully bitmapped page delivery.

Databases running on GaleNet:

At the local level, the system requirements for accessing Gale's Internet databases are as follows:

Netscape Navigator can operate in any of the following environments:

Intel (x86 based):

Apple Macintosh:

UNIX:

Minimum System Requirements

 Processor Disk Space RAM (min.) RAM (rec.)
Windows 386SX 1 MB 4 MB 8 MB
Macintosh 68030 2 MB 4 MB 8 MB
UNIX N/A 3 MB 16 MB 32 MB

Note: If the local site does not currently have the capability to run a graphical World Wide Web browser, the site will be able to use Lynx (version 2.5 or above), the terminal-based browser available under DOS and many UNIX-based platforms. Lynx, however, does not provide a graphical interface.

3. Is remote access included for the subscription price?  If there are additional charges or requirements in order to offer remote access, please describe.   What methods of remote access are supported?

Yes, remote access is included for the subscription price with no additional charges.

For remote access for Web users, access is controlled by utilization of the Gale Group's Remote Patron Authentication program. Options for use can be set by the library. If the IP Address of the host is not found on InfoTrac Servers and a "proxy server" is not utilized InfoTrac Web will ask for the Patron Library ID number or password. InfoTrac then passes that number or password in an http packet to the Library designated server for validation. The server would validate the patron and return the status to InfoTrac. Validation of library barcode numbers can be against a patron barcode file or by barcode pattern recognition. Authenticated patrons would be approved for access and non-authenticated patrons would be denied. In special cases the Gale Group will authenticate patrons on the InfoTrac Web authentication server.

Smaller Libraries with dial-up access from in-library PCs whose IP addresses are assigned by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) can utilize Gale Group's Dial-up Authentication Service. This service incorporates "Cookies" and alleviates the need for patrons to enter passwords for access to InfoTrac.

4. Please discuss any methods or assistance you offer regarding remote access patron verification and authentication.

Gale Group will designate a Sales Application Engineer, in this case, Jim Knight, who has extensive experience in the preparation of CGI scripts for remote access patron verification and authentication. In addition, our Sales Application Engineers have experience in implementation of remote access utilizing OPAC patron files. This individual will work directly with the Libraries technical personnel in remote patron access implementation.

5. What end user delivery options, such as printing, emailing or faxing results, are available beyond just viewing results on the computer monitor?

The InfoTrac Web interface provides end users with the capability to print, email and download citations and articles. Once articles are retrieved for viewing users have the option to "Reformat" (display article in full record format) for printing using the Web Browser printing capabilities or download the item using the Web Browser File "Save as." command. Additionally, the complete article of each item can be emailed to a user's email address. Users can also select to mark multiple records, which can be printed, downloaded and/or emailed with a single request.

GaleNet databases have printing, downloading and emailing abilities via the user's web browser.

6. What customer training is provided, and at what cost?

The Gale Group is committed to providing excellence in training for Washington libraries. When setting up training, The Gale Group attempts to reach as many people as possible by conducting them on-site and regionally. The number of sessions varies from system to system and is dependent upon meeting the needs of the system. The Gale Group will provide a maximum of 6 sessions coordinated by the Washington State Library. The sessions should be held in regions that will accommodate the most people. Each session lasts approximately two (2) hours. The maximum class size is 50 and the optimum is 30 or fewer participants, depending on the capacity of the training facility. When multiple training sessions take place at a single location, up to three (3) sessions may be planned for a given day. When setting up sessions for entire states, The Gale Group tries to target specific sessions to specific user groups (public, academic, etc). There is no charge for this service.

Libraries can also contact the training or customer content support staff at any time through the Gale Group's 800 number to receive additional help.

Training materials include a User's Guide and Point of Use materials. Libraries are welcome to five (5) printed copies and an electronic version that they can locally reproduce and make as many copies of these materials as they like. There is no charge for training materials.

Optimally, training sessions require a high speed direct link to the Internet, Netscape 3.0 and a PC with projection capabilities. If computer lab facilities are available, participants may structure training to include hands-on use of the databases. The Gale Group will work with sites and existing capabilities to develop the best training possible.

7. What customer and technical support is provided, including hours of operation.

Upon award of contract the Gale Group will assign a Sales Application/Support Engineer to handle technical support service specifically for Washington libraries.

Customer Search Assistance and Content Support In addition to training and technical support, the Gale Group also provides ongoing database assistance through our Content Support Department. Our Content Support department consists of a staff of professional librarians who are experts at searching our databases. They are available to assist our customers with any questions that might arise regarding the search functionality and content of our databases.

This support is also available 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

The group can be reached at: 800-227-8431.  Email address is [email protected] 

8. Describe the statistics you provide, and discuss whether your statistical reporting complies with guidelines developed by the International Coalition of Library Consortia which may be found at www.library.yale.edu/consortia/webstats.html .

InfoTrac and GaleNet statistics are in partial compliment with ICOLC statistical reporting requirements. The Gale Group is undertaking a project to consolidate the separate statistical programs and incorporate full ICOLC compliance.

Statistics will be generated for each of the various subscribing libraries.

Statistical reports include: internal and external use by database with the number of logins, total connect time, average login time, number of searches, hits, marked citations, emailed and printed citations and full text. The journal list report shows the number of on-screen views and retrievals, with a breakout of full text retrievals. Time of day statistics detail number of users by time of day and day of week for the month or date range selected.

Statistics can be delivered in either ASCII, Flat file (i.e. csv), or Postscript formats. In addition, the consortia can choose to receive one aggregate report for a number of sites and can also have individual usage reports sent to each library with the InfoTrac Web service.

The reports list each database subscribed to by the consortia and/or location receiving InfoTrac Web services. The reports show the number of Sessions, On-Screen Views and Retrievals (e.g. local printing, email, PDF download.)

The journal list report shows the number of on-screen views and retrievals, with a breakout of full text retrievals.

Special statistical reports can be requested through Technical Support and delivered within two business days of the request.

GaleNet Database Statistics

GaleNet offers an online usage reporting service to its customers upon request. This database, updated on a monthly basis, details the usage by individual site (library, school, etc.) and/or the consortia as a whole, then by database and by type of usage (database access, image, other). We also have the ability to provide more detailed reports that cover number of sessions, average number of users, daily usage patterns, etc.

9. Describe your pricing structure or formula for the product. If there are additional costs for retrieving full text, describe the pricing for this service. 

Note from State Library staff: This vendor elects to indicate pricing by describing what six hypothetical libraries would pay for the products. The six libraries were offered to all vendors as one way to explain their prices.

Database

Library A

Library B

Library C

Library D

Library E

Library F
             

Academic & Public Libraries

            
             

Student Resource Center College Edition Academic ASAP

Not applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

$9,901 minimum price for 1 library/simultaneous users

$9,901 minimum price for 1 library/simultaneous users

Not Applicable

Health Reference Center Academic

?

$6,817 minimum price for 1 library/simultaneous users

$6,817 minimum price for 1 library/simultaneous users

$6,817 minimum price for 1 library/simultaneous users

$6,817 minimum price for 1 library/simultaneous users

Get hospital pricing

Promt

Not applicable

$3,260 minimum price for 1 library/simlutaneous users

$3,260 minimum price for 1 library/simultaneous users

$3,260 minimum price for 1 library/simultaneous users

$3,260 minimum price for 1 library/simultaneous users

Not applicable

CA/CLC/DLB

Not applicable

$8,451 minimum price for 1 library/simultaneous users

$8,451 minimum price for 1 library/simultaneous users

$8,451 minimum price for 1 library/simultaneous users

$8,451 minimum price for 1 library/simultaneous users

Not applicable
             

K-12 Libraries

            
             

Junior Reference Collection

$495 minimum price for 1 library/simultaneous users

          

Discovering Authors-Complete

$1260 minimum price for 1 library/simultaneous users

          

DISCovering Series:

Science

U.S. History

World History

Multicultural America

EXPLORING

Shakespeare

Poetry

$210 each section for 1 library/simultaneous users

minimum purchase is 2 sections

$350 for both sections for 1 library/simultaneous users

          

Pricing above is based on simultaneous users. There is not any difference from library to library. Custom pricing based on unlimited access and FTE will be provided for interested libraries or groups of libraries.

10. What is the minimum participation level (however you care to define it) that would be needed to allow participating libraries to receive a discount? What is the minimum discount for a group buy? Please clarify how you would treat existing library customers with regard to a group buy.

The minimum participation level needed for participating libraries to receive a discount would be two (2) libraries. Based upon the number of participating libraries the Gale Group will develop customized pricing which will include a substantial discount of at least 20% below list price. The Gale Group would prorate back credits for existing subscriptions to the databases offered in this response to individual libraries on a case by case basis.

11.  Please indicate whether libraries from Oregon, Idaho, Alaska and/or Hawaii would be eligible to participate in the group buying process.

Yes. libraries from Oregon, Idaho, Alaska and/or Hawaii, plus the western Canadian provinces would be eligible to participate in the group buying process.

12.  Please provide name and contact information (toll-free telephone number, e-mail address, hours, etc.) should libraries wish to make further inquires.

For Academic and Public Libraries:

Andrew Hollenberg, Regional Sales Manager
1-800-877-4253 ext. 1964
[email protected]
Hours: 8 am � 5 pm Pacific Time

Linda Bouchat, Regional Sales Manager
1-800-877-4253 ext. 2055
[email protected]
Hours: 8 am - 5 pm Pacific Time

Diane Bednarski, Regional Sales Manager � (Hawaii)
1-800-877-4253 ext. 1911
[email protected]
Hours: 8 am � 5 pm Pacific Time

Frank Buen, Account Manager � (Washington, Oregon, Idaho)
1-800-877-4253 ext. 1944
[email protected]
Hours: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Pacific Time

Lucy Shelly, Account Manager � (Alaska, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia)
1-800-4253 ext. 1947
[email protected]
Hours: 6:30 am � 3 pm ET

Guy Colegrove, Account Manager � (Hawaii)
1-800-4253 ext. 1939
[email protected]
Hours: 7:30 am � 4 pm Pacific Time

For Special Libraries:

R. Scott Grove
Account Executive for Special Libraries
800 877-4253 x2012
[email protected]
Hours: 8 am -5 pm Pacific Time

For K-12 Libraries:

Mamie Huey, Regional Sales Manager
1-800-877-4253 ext. 1923
[email protected] 
Hours: 8 am � 5 pm Pacific Time

Darris Lynk, Account Manager
1-800-877-4253 ext. 1623
[email protected] 
Hours: 7:30 am � 4:00 pm Pacific Time

 

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