New ERA Executive Committee

A new ERA Executive Committee has been elected by the ERA Membership. 

New Committee respresentatives include continuing members Roxanne Missingham (special libraries), Geoff Strempel (public libraries), and June Wall (school libraries), and new members Greg Lindorff (school libraries), Lynette Miller (special libraries), Barbara Patison (NSLA libraries), Helene Brown (TAFE libraries), and Warwick Cathro (NLA representative). 

The Committee farewells Tony Leschen (NSLA libraries), Kate Davis (public libraries), Ann Ritchie (special libraries), and Lynn Fletcher (TAFE libraries).  We thank these members for their dedication and contribution to ERA, and wish them well for the future.

Visit our website for details on how you can contact your sectoral representative.

ERA and school libraries

Now is the time for school libraries to investigate the best fit online databases for your students for 2010!  Electronic Resources Australia (ERA) has a growing collection of databases that work well for schools and are cost effective. 

Check out the list of databases on the ERA Product List to see which ones will work for your school.

As schools move more and more into the provision of digital resources, it is becoming more important to select online databases carefully.  ERA is the only national licensing scheme for any sector of school education and so the school sector's support of ERA helps to improve both pricing and product selection. 

When the product poll opens in 2010, be ready!

- June Wall, ERA Executive Committee (school representative)

Calendar year subscriptions

If you are considering your e-resource subscriptions for the coming year and want to take advantage of the stronger Australian dollar then you may want to take a look at the products offered through ERA.

ERA offers a full range of products and has negotiated the terms and conditions for these resources, including pricing and the following benefits:

• Unlimited use on-site;
• Remote use by registered staff and patrons using an agreed authentication system;
• Use within virtual reference services; and
• Use for ILL/Document Supply.

You can find out more information about the product offers on the ERA website and free product trials are also available by direct arrangement with the vendor

Libraries can opt in for an ERA subscription at any time, with a pro-rated subscription to align subscriptions to either a calendar or financial year.

2010 ERA Membership Forum

The third Electronic Resources Australia (ERA) Membership Forum will be held on Friday, 12 February 2010 in Melbourne: following the VALA 2010 Conference (9-11 February 2010).

Online registration for the 2010 ERA Membership Forum will open in early December.  

Key Dates to Remember

1 January 2010 - New calendar subscription cycle commences

12 February 2010 - 2010 ERA Membership Forum, Melbourne

February - April 2010 - 2010 ERA Product Poll