The Regional Bibliographic Databases and Interlibrary Resources Sharing (RBDB) Program is a State funded program that improves access to library and information resources for library users through the regional development and coordination of automated library services. Under a Five-Year Regional Automation Plan, state funds are administered to do the following:
- Coordinate and improve access to electronic information services and resources.
- Improve electronic access to the library holdings in the regional database.
- Provide opportunities for area library staff to improve their expertise in using information technology and provide guidance in electronic development.
- Improve and expand electronically accessible holdings either online or offline, emphasizing both uniqueness and impact on resource sharing in the region.
- Improve speed, efficiency, and equity of regional resource sharing.
The following programs that benefit all libraries in the region have been funded by RBDB in the past:
- RRLC Training Program
- Regional catalog access through WorldCat and SchoolCat
- ContentDM (FLAG Heritage website)
- Newsbank Democrat & Chronicle
RBDB 2012 Program – Invitation for Application for Member Projects
RRLC will receive funds from New York State for a 2012 regional program under the RBDB program. The majority of the funds received will be used to support these regional programs:
Member Project Application Process: For 2012, a small pool of money is available for “member projects”. RRLC member libraries and member library systems are invited to submit applications for projects by Friday, February 10, 2012.
Projects should address the following regional priorities:
- Coordinate and improve access to electronic information services and resources.
- Improve electronic access to the library holdings in the regional database.
- Provide opportunities for area library staff to improve their expertise in using information technology and provide guidance in electronic development.
- Improve and expand electronically accessible holdings either online or offline, emphasizing both uniqueness and impact on resource sharing in the region.
- Improve speed, efficiency, and equity of regional resource sharing.
RRLC member libraries and member library systems are invited to submit a response to the Request for Proposals. Click here or contact RRLC (rrlc@rrlc.org) for a copy of the RFP and application form. Deadline for submission of proposals is 4:00 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2012. Projects will be reviewed by the RRLC Committee on Information Technology and selected by a jury of librarians from outside the RRLC region who are familiar with the RBDB program. Selected applicants will be notified in early March. Funding for selected projects will not be available until RRLC receives funding from the state, which can mean a delay of several months.
Questions about the RFP, potential projects, or general questions about the RBDB program should be directed to Kathy Miller (kmiller@rrlc.org).