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Latest FAQs / Fact Sheets
Previous FAQs
What is TexShare?
TexShare is a cooperative program designed
to improve library service to Texans. TexShare focuses on
the efficient sharing of library holdings, with an emphasis
on electronic information resources and traditional collections
of books and journals.
At the heart of TexShare is the synergy that
occurs when librarians work together to serve customers
better.
How Does TexShare Help Libraries Serve Customers
Better?
TexShare enables participating libraries to
offer a broader range of materials and services than any
single library can provide. In addition to traditional resource
sharing arrangements such as interlibrary loan, TexShare
services include:
- Online
full-text databases, which are commercial databases
licensed by TexShare offer authoritative, full-text articles
from verifiable, subscription-only sources. Every search
yields results you won't see anywhere else.
- TExpress,
a courier service that affords two-day delivery among libraries
statewide. Participating libraries pay a reduced rate, and
enjoy quicker, more reliable delivery than conventional
methods.
- TexTreasures
grants for digitizing specialized collections.
- The TexShare
Card, which permits eligible patrons of Texas
public and academic libraries in good standing to directly
borrow materials from participating TexShare libraries across
Texas.
- The TexShare
Education Program, which provides training
for TexShare programs to enable staff at member libraries
to better utilize TexShare services and better serve library
patrons. The working group periodically surveys members
to determine priorities for training, as well as preferred
methods for receiving training.
- The Library of Texas
at LibraryofTexas.org allows
users to discover and retrieve desired information from
multiple public, academic, and unique library catalogs,
TexShare databases, locally subscribed collections, and
other knowledge collections. Texans no longer need to use
a separate interface for each individual library or database.
How is TexShare Changing?
Originally a program of the publicly funded
universities in Texas, over the years TexShare has expanded
to include private universities, community colleges, and
public libraries. TexShare is now a multitype resource sharing
consortium. Senate
Bill 483 gives the Texas State Library and Archives
Commission (TSLAC) the authority to negotiate group purchasing
agreements on behalf of K-12 public school libraries. The
bill does not make public school libraries eligible for
TexShare membership. However, this legislation is a positive
first step toward accomplishing that objective. The Texas
State Library and Archives Commission has partnered with
Education Service Center, Region 20 to implement the program.
How Will Integrating Resource Sharing Programs
Improve Services?
Texans need the widest possible range of information,
regardless of the type of library they use. At a time when
no single library can meet the full range of its customers'
needs, multi-type resource sharing arrangements make sense.
Instead of operating parallel services for different types
of libraries, the State Library may now identify areas where
coordination and consolidation can yield improved services
for both academic and public libraries. This will enable
the State Library to stretch its budget to develop collaborative
resource sharing offerings that benefit more Texans than
ever before.
Who is a member of TexShare?
Public libraries that belong to regional
library systems automatically became TexShare members by
virtue of their system membership. Academic institutions
that meet the criteria as specified in Education Code 61.003
are eligible for TexShare membership. On September 2, 2001,
the TexShare program expanded eligibility by enacting HB
3591. HB 3591 allowed Libraries of Clinical Medicine to
become full members of TexShare.
Do I have to join TexShare programs?
TexShare programs are voluntary; members
choose which programs they wish to join.
Who advises on TexShare programs?
The TexShare Advisory Board is appointed
by the State Library Commission and is legislatively responsible
for advising the Commission on the TexShare program. The
Advisory Board includes representatives from community colleges,
private universities, publicly-funded academic institutions,
public libraries, as well as two representatives of the
general public. For a complete list of Board
members, see the TexShare web
site.
TexShare
working groups, comprised of public and academic librarians,
provide member input on TexShare services. Currently, these
groups are addressing the following topics: the TexShare
reciprocal borrowing card; the TExpress
courier/interlibrary loan service; training;
electronic
databases; communications;
the Library of Texas; and
Texas collections.
Rosters for each
working group may be found on the TexShare web site.
TexShare members who have comments or suggestions
about TexShare programs are urged to contact the TexShare
coordinator, and members of the Advisory Board and working
groups. Members are encouraged to be active participants
in TexShare.
How can I keep abreast of TexShare news?
Visit the TexShare web
site at: www.texshare.edu for news and program information.
Access information on TexShare programs, working groups,
advisory board, and more. Comments and suggestions on the
site are welcome.
Sign up for the TexShare electronic
mailing lists. A complete list of the TexShare lists,
with subscription information, may be found on the TexShare
web site. The electronic mailing lists are the primary means
of communication in TexShare and staff at TexShare institutions
are urged to subscribe to all relevant lists. There are
not many postings to the lists, but you will receive the
latest news first.
TexShare Contact:
TexShare Coordinator
Texas State Library and Archives
PO Box 12927
Austin, Tx 78711-2927
512-463-0188
512-936-2306 Fax
Email: texshare@tsl.state.tx.us
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