Statewide Database Licensing Project - Fall 2000 Trials
Facts on File

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(Note from the Washington State Library:  In order to participate in the Fall 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. 

The Reference Suite @FACTS.com

The Reference Suite @FACTS.com � The all new Reference Suite @ FACTS.com delivers these complete classic library reference databases:       

�         The Facts On File World News Digest

�         The World Almanac and Book of Facts

�         Issues and Controversies On File

�         Today�s Science On File

The Reference Suite @ FACTS.com augments these core sources with coverage specially created for the Internet.  It interconnects relevant articles so that even novice researchers quickly and easily get the answers they seek on current events, statistics, health, science and controversial issues.  Online, full-text from the Facts On File World News Digest, 78,000 full text news articles dating from January 1980. Special Historic Event features cover landmark events back to 1940.

FACTS.com

FACTS.com delivers over 20 years of the authoritative Facts On File World News Digest, updated every week, interconnected with selected content from six other reference databases.  FACTS.com offers a wealth of information at a single Internet site that delivers all the answers your researchers need on current events, key newsmakers, current statistics, scientific developments and controversial issues.  Hundreds of thousands of internal hyperlinks connect researchers with the answers they need. (Backfile to 1980; Historical coverage from the Facts On File archives dating back to 1940; Reuters news wire service, updating developments through this afternoon. Selected content from the Issues and Controversies On File, Today�s Science On File, The World Almanac and Editorials On File. Hundreds of photos, maps, charts and graphs round out this authoritative reference collection).

Issues and Controversies On File @ FACTS.com

Issues and Controversies explores controversial topics in a language and format that researchers appreciate with the balance, accuracy and regular updating that librarians expect from Facts On File News Services.  Probing the kind of sizzling issues on which libraries can never have enough information, Issues and Controversies covers over 70 controversial topics each year. 

Today�s Science On File @ FACTS.com

There is no other news source that does a better job of reporting scientific developments in the kind of language and format that students can grasp than Today�s Science On File.  Researchers have turned to the monthly print editions of Today�s Science On File for years to find authoritative yet accessible information on the latest developments in science.  Today�s Science bridges the gap between textbooks and what�s happening in science today.   Articles are detailed yet concise and include background information to give students a full perspective of the story as well as suggestions for further reading.  

The World Almanac Reference Database @ FACTS.com

The World Almanac Reference Database has been created especially for schools and libraries by World Almanac Books and Facts On File News Services. Now your library can get unlimited access to this amazing database.  The unique hyperlinking at FACTS.com leads even novice researchers from the detailed tables in the World Almanac to background articles and biographies in The World Almanac Encyclopedia, the most recent developments as reported in Facts On File, even to relevant, safe, informative sites on the Web! 

Please trial these exciting databases at: www.facts.com/washington

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

All of these services can be run from any Internet connected machine using Netscape 4.0 or higher or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher. Other contemporary browsers are also supported.

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?

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

(Answer is to 3 and 4): Remote access is included in the subscription price.  Libraries may choose authentication for remote access by ID/Password combinations or library card number authentication.  (Authentication is done on the first 5 digits of library card.)  ID/Password combinations employ cookies that allow subsequent authorization without using the ID/Password.  

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

Unlimited printing, downloading and e-mailing of all material are available, subject to the capabilities of the user's browser. Over 750 photographs and maps in cannot be re-used for commercial purposes.

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

Each database is an extremely easy-to-use application with an extensive system of help. New subscribers receive tips on using the service.  Quick Steps to Searching is available on search menu.  Help for content and use is also provided on-line and by telephone. For large district purchases, on-site training could possibly be provided. The cost would be the expenses of the trainer. 

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

Toll free technical support is available 9:30 to 5:00 Eastern Time at 1-800-363-7976 ext. 300 or by E-mail support is also available at [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 .

 Statistical reporting is available by E-mail request to:  [email protected]. 

 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.

Pricing information will be provided upon request.  Please contact the Washington State Library (Patty Ayala; 360-570-5587; [email protected]) or Louise Hayden at 1-800-363-7976 ext. 613.  

10.  If a library subscribes to any of your products as a result of this trial, will their future subscription rates continue to reflect any savings or discount they may receive today?

Future subscription rates will continue to reflect discounts from prices that are negotiated and available to Washington.

11. 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.

Minimum participation level is one site. Minimum discount for group purchases is two sites. Existing library

customers will be entitled to further discounts on new products.

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

This offer only applies to Washington State Database project participants within the state of Washington.

13.  Please provide name and contact information should libraries wish to make further inquires.

Contact for librarians:
Louise Hayden
800-363-7976, ext. 613
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST
[email protected]