K-12 Announcement Letter for K-12 School Superintendents

Read the letter for Texas school superintendents announcing the K-12 Database service. Superintendent letter.

Current Encyclopaedia Britannica Subscribers Update (Texas K-12 public school libraries only):

• All subscribers will retain their contracted subscriptions through November 30, 2007.
• The TSLAC agreement starts December 1st, and until that time the preview access is limited to the TSLAC preview page and full product support is not in place.
• Current DIRECT contract subscribers between libraries or districts and Britannica, should contact Becky Henry ( 800-621-3900 x7171) at Encyclopaedia Britannica regarding a refund. Schools will receive the unused portion of their subscriptions or they may choose to purchase other Britannica products for their schools.
• If you currently subscribe to Britannica through DKC (ESC-20) or TETPC (ESC-11) please contact these service centers regarding arrangements and substitutes. DKC: Susanna Garza (210-370-5634). TETPC: contact Bonnie Barnes (817-740-3613).
• Schools or districts getting Britannica as part of a co-op agreement with a local education service center, please contact the local service center for information.

Encyclopaedia Britannica Added to K-12 Database Package

• The Texas State Library and Archives Commission is pleased to announce Encyclopaedia Britannica as the online encyclopedia addition to the K-12 database package available for the public school library community and funded by TEA’s technology allotment budget.
• Get details about the Encyclopedia Britannica selection process by reading the Encyclopaedia Britannica Added to K-12 Database Package.

K-12 Public School Library Online Databases
Fact Sheet - Updated 10-12-2007

During the 2007 session, the Texas State Legislature added Rider 88 to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) budget. Rider 88 directs the Commissioner of Education to transfer amounts not to exceed $2.5 million in each year of the 2008-2009 biennium to TSLAC for the purpose of acquiring “online research and information resources for libraries in public schools, and for administrative expenses."

• To activate access to the K-12 Databases, please complete and return the activation form at http://web.esc20.net/k12databases/activation.htm
  Once the ESC 20 K-12 Help Desk receives the activation form, login information will be sent via email.
• View a Fact Sheet page for more information (Word file) Download a MS Word File Reader, if needed.

Archive of Latest News Section

TexShare ESC 20 Site

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has partnered with Education Service Center, Region 20 to implement the program. See their web site for more information on pricing, ordering, and technical support.

• Activation Form for the TexShare EBSCO Database Package for K-12 Public Schools
• TexShare ESC 20 web site
• K-12 Database List - See the list of databases available to K-12 school libraries. (PDF file)

Transition Task Force

Transition Task Force - The charge of the Transition Task Force (TTF) is to: Serve as representatives of the K-12 public school library community in regards to electronic information resources and future relationship with the TexShare community; and Communicate interests and priorities of the K-12 public school library community to the Electronic Information Working Group (EIWG), the TexShare Advisory Board (TSAB), TSLAC and ESC-20.

• Roster
• Meeting Minutes - (Word files) - Download a MS Word file reader, if needed
• December 14, 2007
• July 27, 2007 meeting
• July 09, 2007 meeting
• October 23, 2006 meeting
• June 26, 2006 meeting
• March 03, 2006 meeting
• January 18, 2006 meeting

F.A.Q.s

• Updates - See the links to the updates on the TexShare ESC 20 site.
• FAQ - Read the August 2007 Fact Sheet on the latest developments on TexShare and K-12 schools. (Word file) - Download a MS Word file reader, if needed
• Materials Count

Additional Database Discount Programs for
School Libraries

The Additional Database Discount Programs page is available for school libraries that want to see what database options are available from vendors from other Educational Service Centers and consortia.