Schools in state-wide networks

[Jane Prestebak <0203hsh@INFORMNS.K12.MN.US>]

 I am participating in a committee to develop a state-wide library
information system for the state of Minnesota. I am wondering if someone
out there in LM_Net land has worked with other types of libraries on large
cooperative efforts to create integrated information systems. If you have
information,thoughts, or opinions on the participation of school libraries
in state-wide networks, please share your thoughts with me.


Below is a brief description of the goals of the network, tentatively known
as the Minnesota Library Information Network (MnLIN)

We have worked to develop a plan that would include several
components including:

-a full-service library automation system that would be a replacement for
older and near obsolete systems such as LUMINA and PALS as well as any
other interested libraries or library systems. This system is
affectionately known as System X.

-A gateway between library systems and other information resources that would
allow the systems to interact with one another and the Internet using
standard protocols like Z39.50 and HTTP. This would allow a user at your
library to use a standard interface
to search any other database that also conforms to this standard. This
gateway has sometimes been affectionately known as "the black box".

-part of this plan has included the procurement of full-text periodical
databases such as the Information Access for every library and citizen in
the state. NOTE:  THIS IS A SEPARATE EFFORT AND NOT ASSOCIATED W/THE RFP PROCESS

The successful operation of this network depends upon a telecommunications
cloud that is being developed through other legislative initiatives.

Ideally, the Minnesota system should allow users to use the same search
engine to explore the world's information resources. After conducting a
search of local resources, the user would follow a series of linked web
pages to search regional, state-wide, and world-wide databases. Upon
entering the Minnesota system home page, the user would have the option to
enter their identification number (or borrower id) and have access to not only
free library catalogs and web pages but potentially to proprietary
databases such as magazine indexes, encyclopedias, etc.  provided by the
state system to all
residents in Minnesota.(These would not be part of the state-wide system
but could be made accessible via the state system.) Depending on their
affiliations a user might also access to other resources provided by their
home or partner institutions.







Jane Prestebak
Teacher/Librarian
Hayfield High School
P.O. Box 6
Hayfield, MN 55940
Tel: 507-477-3598
High School Office: 507-477-3235
Fax: 507-477-3230
O203hsh@informns.12.mn.us