In this issue of the ERA eNewsletter we invite discussion on the participation of health libraries in ERA, explain the selection process for expanding the product panel, invite libraries to complete our online product nomination survey, introduce the new TAFE respresentative on the ERA Executive Committee, and invite you to look at the latest blog entry by Kate Davis on promoting e-resources to staff.

Why are health libraries under-represented in ERA?

The ERA website has a pertinent promotional piece entitled ‘What’s in it for my customers, for my library, Australia?' which is worth reflecting on when considering library participation in ERA.

At the recent ERA Members Forum, there was only one other attendee from a health library, and yet a search of the Australian Libraries Gateway reveals that there are 449 self-described health/medical libraries in Australia. The ERA consortium in 2007-08 has a total of 485 libraries, who collectively have 1,136 subscriptions across the 9 products on offer. There are only 5 health libraries in the consortium, and they have 7 subscriptions to 5 different products, 2 of which are health-related, the other 3 focusing on business/general reference.

So why is it that health libraries appear to be under-represented among ERA members? We offer some more information and invite discussion on this important issue on our blog.

A key priority in 2008 for the ERA Executive Committee is to expand the number and coverage of products, and to increase the flexibility of subscription offerings and packages. So we are asking libraries and vendors to make suggestions. So for health libraries – think about what you’d like to be able to offer your clients and join ERA to have your say and help support a national consortium approach. 

Ann Ritchie, ERA Executive Committee - Special libraries

Selection process for the 2009 ERA Product Panel

Feedback from both vendors and libraries is that they want greater flexibility in being able to provide, and subscribe to, product packages through ERA. 

The ERA Executive Committee is responding to this feedback by changing the way future products are being offered through ERA .  Through the next tender process vendors will be invited to offer either single products or packages on an opt in or opt out basis for Australian libraries.

A staged procurement process will be used to select the 2009 ERA Product Panel for subscriptions commencing 1 July 2009. This will involve the Library issuing an open Request for Expression of Interest (REOI), followed by a select tender process for those shortlisted. 
 

What products do libraries want offered through ERA?

Prior to issuing the REOI, we are undertaking a survey of Australian libraries to determine which products they are interested in being offered through ERA.

In September 2007, approximately 450 library representatives were asked (via the ERA distribution list) what products they would like to see added to the product panel. The products nominated have formed the basis of our survey, as well as nominations from other sectoral representatives.

Your input is important, so we encourage you to take the time to fill in the survey which will be open until 17 July.

Introducing Julieanne Paulazzo - ERA TAFE representative

Nominations for the six month TAFE respresentative position on the ERA Executive Committee closed on 6 June.

Julianne Paulazzo, Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), has now been appointed to this position.

Julianne is the Senior Librarian Learning Resources & Systems and has a BA in Library and Information Studies. Her experience began at the Riverina Regional Public Library and has progressed to include positions at the Defence Library, ACT Government Library, Australian Taxation Office Library and numerous positions in CIT Library & Learning Centre, including Campus Librarian at 4 campuses, Technical Services Manager and a stint or two as Institute Librarian.

We welcome Julieanne to the committee and are looking forward to her contributions.

Promoting e-resources to library staff - new blog post

Following on from our first blog entry, Kate Davis has provided some excellent ideas on promoting electronic resources to library staff. Please have a look and join in the discussion.

Key dates

• 30 June - Online Nomination survey opens
• 1 July - New subscription cycle commences
• 17 July - Online Nomination survey closes