As the Texas State Library continues to improve the scope and availability of our TexShare Database program, there are two requests we've heard over and over from many of the small- and medium-sized public and academic libraries:
- They want to offer their patrons and students remote access to the Databases from their homes; and
- They want to be able to track usage statistics for both in-library and remote users.
In response, the State Library is now offering a new service: Customized TexShare Database gateway pages.
New Functionality
Unlike the generic TexShare menu pages currently available to public and academic libraries, these new library-specific gateway pages will offer the following benefits:
- A library-specific, easy-to-remember web address
- Menu page prominently branded with your library's name
- Direct links to your library's web page & reference desk
- Usable for both in-library and remote access users
- Option for tracking usage statistics for your library - the current "Remote Access Demonstration Project" does not provide for this option.
With this new program the State Library will create and maintain Customized Gateway pages for any Texas public or academic libraries unable to authenticate their own patrons.
See an sample of a customized page at:
http://www.texshare.edu/remoteville
All that is required to take advantage of this program is for library directors to download the one-page application form available below, fill it out, and return it by mail to the State Library.
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PLEASE NOTE: This new program will be an ideal solution for many libraries wishing to offer their patrons remote access to the TexShare Databases -- but it's not for everyone.
Here are six situations in which in a library may choose an alternative to this program.
- Your library is already using a Remote Patron Authentication (RPA) module and can successfully authenticate patrons into a proxy server or protected database menu page.
- Your library uses an RPA module and has a technical staff able to implement an application such as EZProxy.
- Your library has many branches and you wish to have a separate page for each branch and to track usage statistics individually.
- You wish to include a photo, logo, or other graphics to make the custom page look more like the other pages on your web site.
- You wish to offer the TexShare Databases, but are unwilling to provide a phone number and e-mail address for your patrons to contact if they need assistance.
- Your library is not interested in offering the TexShare Databases to your patrons.
If your library meets any of these conditions, there are other options you may wish to consider.
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Files to Download
Remote Access Services Fact Sheet
Customized Remote Access Application
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About the TexShare Databases
The TexShare Databases are comprised of more than 60 commercial research and reference database products licensed from 8 separate vendors, at a total cost of more than $10 million. Unlike free resources on the Internet, the TexShare Databases offer resources that are authoritative, free of advertising, and suitable for children. Every search provides results you won't see anywhere else.
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