Statewide Online Library Resources

K-12 DATABASE INITIATIVE (See SB/HB 1, the General Appropriations Act, Article I, Texas State Library and Archives Commission)

What is the K-12 Database Initiative? The K-12 Database Initiative is a statewide program that offers thousands of online full-text educational resources—such as reference works, multi-media programs, and authoritative journals—to students in Texas public schools.

What do the K-12 databases do?  support student achievement and curricular needs  provide resources for students, teachers, administrators, and parents  offer materials and online work environments that are authoritative, accurate, and free of commercial bias, advertising, or unwanted information  make available age-appropriate resources and interfaces for all K-12 learners  provide learning modules for learners

Who can use the K-12 databases? Any student, teacher, or administrator in any public school in Texas can access these resources. Parents and students can also use these resources from home for research.

Why do schools need the K-12 databases if Google is free? Unlike Google, the K-12 databases provide students with immediate access to quality, subscription resources that are accurate and secure through their school libraries. These resources are “commercial free” and are not available on Google for free.

Does the K-12 Database Initiative save taxpayers money? Buying materials centrally allows the state to achieve a far better cost for resources than what individual districts could negotiate on their own. Further, through this program, all public school students are able to access the same broad array of resources, thus bringing equity to the learning environment.

Who administers the K-12 databases? The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) in strong partnership with the Texas Education Agency and Educational Service Center 20.

What is the current funding for the Initiative? The K-12 Database Initiative is funded at $2.5 million per year with funds from the Technology Allotment in the Texas Education Agency’s budget.

LEGISLATIVE ACTION NEEDED : Support current funding and TSLAC’s exceptional item request for $4 mil each year. (See the HB/SB 1, General Appropriations Act, Article I.)

What needs in service can be met with this exceptional item funding?

 offset increased costs to maintain current resources  expanded science materials (including sources like Access Science, eLibrary Science, and Facts on File Science Online) and language arts resources (e.g., Literature Resource Center—a primary resource for English classes)  facilitation of cataloging and sharing of information through library records  ensuring all Texas public students have access to the program  training and resources for educators, including sample lessons and modules

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT GLORIA MERAZ, [email protected] (2/20/09) 3355 Bee Cave Road, Suite 401 • Austin, TX 78746-6763 • 512/328-1518 • 1-800/580-2TLA • FAX 512/328-8852 www.txla.org