Update from Facts on File

From Facts On File to our Members:
Facts On File understands that this is a difficult year for California institutions dependent on public funding, and we want to help. For a limited time, we are offering a special promotion exclusive to California libraries. Receive six free months of our Issues and Controversies database when you order a 12-month subscription to World News Digest by 12/15/2008.

In addition, your subscription to both databases will feature unlimited simultaneous usage and remote access at no additional cost. Since 1940 the World News Digest has set the standard for information on U.S. and world events. For more than seven decades, it has served as a resource that filters and presents current events in a consistent, reliable, and unbiased manner. The database includes a searchable full-text archive of past events, breaking news, research tools, and much more.

Issues and Controversies helps researchers understand the crucial issues we face today, exploring more than 800 hot topics in politics, government, business, education, and popular culture. A subscription to both databases will provide patrons with access to:

• 2008 Presidential Election Guide and Iraq War Coverage Guide
• “Need a Research Topic?” suggestions
• Reliable information on pressing issues such as global warming and alternative energy
• Pro and con statements on controversial topics such as bilingual education
• And much more!

For a price quote and free trial, please contact Heather Tesko, of CALIFA, at 310-348-9578 or hteysko@califa.org and mention promotional code CAP. Offer expires 12/15/2008.

New Discount on Language Sets from OCLC

We are happy to announce a new discount on OCLC Language Sets for our members. Until February 28, Califa members may order foreign language materials from OCLC and get discounts up to 23% based on participation.

Language Sets offer:
- selects and acquires current popular materials in your choice of 17 languages for adults or children
- Most orders include carefully selected classics, best-sellers and highly anticipated new releases that appeal to public library users
- The collections include fiction, non-fiction, or a mixture of both
- The collections include no duplicate titles because your holdings are checked against WorldCat
- MARC cataloging with LC subject headings and Dewey or LC call numbers is included. All records include Bilindex subject headings for Spanish titles
- Holdings are set in WorldCat, which means your users will be able to find library materials on the Web through familiar sites such as Google and Yahoo! Search
- Materials are shipped to you at no cost
- Promotional materials are shipped along with your purchase at no charge to get your new collections circulating
- Optional physical processing is available so your items arrive ready to circulate to your patrons.

For more information, email califa@califa.org.

New Califa Vendor: Morningstar

We are happy to announce an agreement with Morningstar for our members. When we took a poll of business and financial databases on our blog in the Spring, Morningstar was ranked the number one vendor with whom we should be pursuing a contract.

They will be holding webinars to introduce Califa members to their products. Each webinar will try to cover the same information, but they have offered four times so that more people will be able to find a time that works for their schedules. The times of the webinars are:

November 11th at 10am
November 11th at 2pm
November 13th at 10am
November 13th at 2pm

If you would like to attend one of these webinars, please send an RSVP to califa@califa.org with your name, library name, and email address in the message body. Also, please specify which webinar time you will be attending.

Morningstar Investment Research Center is an interactive investment database with information on over 30,000 Stocks, Mutual Funds, and Exchange Traded Funds. It combines cutting-edge technology with Morningstar’s investment know-how to give your patrons a one-stop investment site. Designed specifically for libraries, it provides independent analysis, industry information, stock charts, portfolio building tools, and investment education.

If you would like a quote for your library, please also email califa@califa.org.

2009 Digitization Symposium

Books 24x7 Review, New Trial, and Webinar

Over the summer, we announced a trial of Books 24x7, an eBook product with modules covering IT, Business and Wellness. Califa members also did a review of the product, which is now available on our website. Books 24x7 has flexible pricing, and would let us start a shared collection if there is interest.

The trial is active again now, as there was interest at our recent Digital Resources Steering Commitee Meeting. They will also be hosting two more webinars, on November 10th at 2pm and November 12th at 10am. If you would like to attend either of these webinars, please RSVP to califa@califa.org with the time of the webinar you wish to attend, and your name, library name, and email address in the message body.

Please take a look at the trial and review, and let us know if this is something you think we should be pursuing. Please email any feedback or thoughts to califa@califa.org. I can also provide you with ballpark pricing if that will help in your evaluation.

The review is here:http://www.califa.org/books247.php
Please email me for the trial information if you are interested.

We're on YouTube now!

We're on youtube now!
Check us out:
http://www.youtube.com/califalibrarygroup

We'll be posting videos from workshops and events. It's just another way to keep up with our activities!

Califa welcoming GoLibrary and Counting Opinions to CLA

If you're going to be attending CLA this year, make sure to stop and see a GoLibrary machine in action. Califa has set up a booth for two of our International vendors - Counting Opinions and GoLibrary at booth numbers 619 and 617 respectively.

Check out this video of the GoLibrary machine in Yuba County and make a note to stop by the booth and see it in person!